Steve DeFruscio, a vice president with the nonprofit HealthShare Exchange, was the guest speaker at last week’s East Torresdale Civic Association meeting.
DeFruscio said the nonprofit is among five health information exchanges in Pennsylvania.
HealthShare Exchange is the only one in the Philadelphia area and the biggest in the state. It was founded in 2012 by 12 healthcare providers and health plans in the Philadelphia market.
All members are listed at healthshareechange.org
Membership includes hospitals, health plans, behavioral health organizations, accountable care organizations, post-acute care facilities and independent ambulatory practices.
Patient data is secure and not available on the internet.
The data becomes available to health information exchanges when patients sign a HIPAA waiver with their healthcare provider.
In other news from the Aug. 10 meeting:
• State Rep. Pat Gallagher was in attendance, along with aide Gina Burns. Gallagher said his office can provide information for homeowners looking to appeal their property assessment. He added that he expects to hold a shredding event sometime in October.
Also on hand were Stan Cywinski, an aide to City Councilman Mike Driscoll, and Sean Roche, an aide to state Sen. Joe Picozzi.
Roche said Picozzi will soon open a second office in the Rhawnhurst area.
A woman asked about Picozzi’s towing-related Senate Bill 779, which Gov. Josh Shapiro signed on July 20. The legislation strengthens existing consumer protections by allowing law enforcement to enforce violations involving unauthorized repairs, deceptive towing practices, improper billing and payment requirements.
• Glen Foerd presents its next Third Thursday on Aug. 20 from 6-8 p.m. There will be live music by Ashton John, family-fun activities and arts and crafts. The event is free. The public is invited to bring blankets or chairs, enjoy lawn games, roam Glen Foerd’s grounds and explore its Gilded Age mansion, which will be open for free self-guided tours. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The featured food vendor will be Red Stone Pizza. A $10 suggested donation helps Glen Foerd continue to provide free to low-cost community events. Advance registration is encouraged on the events page at glenfoerd.org
Glen Foerd is at 5001 Grant Ave. For more information, call 215-632-5330.
• Chris Hanejko has returned as the 8th Police District community relations officer, replacing the retired Cinnamon Hill.
• East Torresdale Civic Association will meet on Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 9601 Frankford Ave. ••
