Purpose: This activity supports the Office of the Administrator; it provides staff support for the Administrator and guidance, leadership, and direction to the programs of the Health Services and Mental Health Administration. Explanation: This activity is funded by direct operations. Accomplishments in 1971: Consistent with the Department plan to decentralize more activities to field location in the United States, the Health Services and Mental Health Administration decentralized responsibilities for project grant programs in Family Planning, Migrant Health, Comprehensive Health Planning, and Maternal and Child Health. This included providing necessary program and support staff from within existing agency resources. With the decentralization of program responsibility, the need was created for improved communications with Regional Health Directors. This has been met through an intensive program of on-site field visits by senior staff in the Office of the Administrator. Also, Regional Health Directors have become more intimately involved in agency policymaking through monthly program meetings designed to obtain in a more formal way their insights and counsel. The agency has completed implementation of the Departmental Operational Planning System and instituted regular follow-up procedures on actions being taken to achieve objectives. This system is designed to (1) identify and resolve problems encountered at an early state, (2) improve communication on coordination and planning between headquarters and the field, and (3) identify areas where technical assistance is warranted. Extensive staff work was done to further develop and prepare for the establishment and funding of health maintenance organizations. A comprehensive plan for evaluation studies covering all major HSMHA programs was developed and is being implemented. These evaluation efforts will provide new insights into health care problems as well as an information feedback to help improve the design and execution of programs. A central computer service has been designed and implemented to incorporate the computer facilities of several HSMHA components into a more efficient and effective system for supplying data processing services to all HSMHA activities. During 1971 renewed emphasis was placed on a recruitment program to attract physicians for employment in HEW health activities. A visitation program to all medical schools was undertaken. Special efforts were devoted to the improvement of our negotiated contracting activities by establishing a contracts administration group to monitor contracts, review vouchers, maintain a central bidders' list and administer Government property in the hands of contractors. Contracting personnel were sent to selected training courses to further professional competence and special seminars were held with program personnel in an effort to improve contracting operations. Objectives for 1972: The Office of the Administrator will continue to give strong guidance and leadership to the HSMHA Programs with special emphasis on the involvement of local government and nongovernmental organizations in the conduct of federally sponsored health programs. Extensive efforts will be devoted to coordinating program resources, all of whom share common objectives, in a collaborative manner in order to make the greatest impact on delivery of health care services. Plans for the implementation of the President's health program will be developed. The Operational Planning activity, which includes Model Cities, will coordinate planning and reporting among regional and headquarters offices, conduct inquiries into problem areas, and facilitate communications and planning on an intra-agency basis. Kelso, John___. 106, 115, 215, 242, 340, 446, 528, 599, 653, 718, 766, 815, 829 340 215 528 766 115 115 528 215 599 242 1, 446, 528, 599, 653, 718 Key, Dr. M. M.. Kieffer, Dr. S. N. Marguilies, Dr. Harold. Moore, Dr. Raymond__. 1, 106, 115, 215, 242, 340, 706, 766, 815, 829 766 340 106 106, 115, 215, 242, 340, 653, 718, 766, 815, 829 340 599 528 340 115 446 653 215 van Holk, Dr. Robert___ 106, 115, 215, 242, 340, 446, 528, 599, 653, 718, 766, 815, 829 Vaughan, J. F.- 528 Villforth, J. C_. 340 INDEX HEALTH AND SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS Statement of the Assistant Secretary for Health and Scientific Affairs_. Page 6 28 26 11 42 49 15 52, 58 31 99 32 8 102 41 46 45 41, 44, 55 19 47 52 40 37 33, 103 54 1-1 41 38, 103 58-95, 104 HEALTH SERVICES AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION Comprehensive Health Planning and Services_ |