Rural Health Network Development Program

Rural Health Network Development Program 2011 - 2014

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration

AR

NV

TN

SD

FL

VA

AK

HI

MD

NM

TX

ND

AZ

MI

IN

http://www.hrsa.gov/

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Rural Health Network Development Program

The purpose of the Rural Health Network Development Grant Program (RHND) is to assist health focused networks in developing and maintaining sustainable networks with self-generating revenue streams. These networks should provide activities that benefit both network partners and the community served by the network to increase access and quality of rural health care and ultimately, improve the health status of rural residents. This grant program supports health care organizations that wish to further ongoing collaborative relationships to integrate systems of care administratively, clinically and financially. As a result of this program, the rural health care delivery system will be strengthened by: 1) solidifying the relationships and collaborations between local health oriented organizations, 2) improving the capabilities of individual providers in the network and/or 3) improving the delivery of care to people served by the network. The RHND Grant Program is authorized under the Public Health Service Act, Section 330A (f) (42 U.S.C. 254(c)(f), as amended to: 1) achieve efficiencies, 2) expand access to, coordinate, and improve the quality of essential health care services, and 3) strengthen the rural healthcare system as a whole.

Some anticipated outcomes of supporting the development of rural health networks include:

achieving economies of scale and cost efficiencies of certain administrative functions such as billing and collections, claims management, information management systems integration, shared staffing and purchasing;

increasing the financial viability of network members;

sharing of staff and expertise across network members;

enhancing the continuum of care in rural communities;

providing services to the under- and uninsured in rural communities;

ensuring continuous quality improvement of the care provided by network members;

enhancing workforce recruitment and retention efforts;

improving access to capital and new technologies; and

enhancing the ability of network members to respond positively to rapid and fundamental changes in the health care environment, such as managed care, prospective payment systems, bioterrorism or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements.

This directory provides contact information and a brief overview of the twenty initiatives funded under the Rural Health Network Development Grant Program in the 2011-2014 funding cycle.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration

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2011 Grantees

Alaska: Ketchikan General Hospital

Nevada: Humboldt General Hospital

Arizona: Eastern Arizona Area Health Education Center

Mariposa Community Health Center Tohono O'odham Nursing Care Authority

New Mexico: Clayton Health Systems

Arkansas: ARcare/Siloam Springs Regional Health Care Cooperative

North Dakota: Coal County Community Health Center

Florida: North Florida Community College

South Dakota: Pioneer Memorial Hospital

Indiana: Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana/ASPIN

Tennessee: Hickman Community Health Systems

WestCare Kentucky, Inc.

Maryland: West Maryland Area Health Education Center

Texas: Southeast Texas Health System

Michigan: Alcona Citizen's for Health

Huron Sanilac EMS Network McKenzie Memorial Hospital

Northern Michigan Regional Health Systems

Virginia: Giles Free Clinic

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Prince of Wales Health Network Ketchikan General Hospital

PO Box 812, Craig, AK 99921 Phone number: 907-826-2410

Fax number: 907-826-2411 www.princeofwaleshealthnetwork.org

Grant Number: D06RH21678 Program Type: Network Development Main Contact:

Name: Esther Hammerschlag Title: Project Director Email address: [email protected]

Project Period: 2011-2014 Expected funding level for each budget period: May 2011 to Apr 2012: $180,000

May 2012 to Apr 2013: $180,000 May 2013 to Apr 2014: $180,000

Grantee organization’s consortium/Network partners:

1. PeaceHealth - Ketchikan Medical Center (Ketchikan, AK) 2. Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (Sitka, AK 3. Alaska Island Community Services (Wrangell, AK) 4. State of Alaska - Craig Public Health Center (Craig, AK)

The communities/counties that the Network project serves:

Prince of Wales Island

The target population served: All Residents of Prince of Wales Island Focus areas of grant program: Behavioral Health Increased Visiting Specialists

Youth Development Public Awareness & Outreach Maternal-Child Health Incorporation & Expansion of Network Annual Community Health Education Campaigns

Sustainability

Continuing Education Opportunities Description (3/4 of a page) of the Network Development project:

Description of the community: Prince of Wales Island (POW) is a remote island in Southeast Alaska. The third largest island in the US, POW encompasses 2500 square miles, and twelve distinct communities ranging in size from 11 to 1400 residents. Travel in this part of Alaska is challenging due to large distances, lack of roads, and inclement weather. It is inconvenient and financially unrealistic for many residents to travel off-island for higher levels of care. Travel off-island is by small plane or boat only; there is no commercial jet service. Unemployment is 12.9%. The population is decreasing due to declines in the Island’s main economic industries, logging and commercial fishing, and healthcare worker shortages are ongoing. Primary problems, circumstances, and/or opportunities to be addressed by the Network: The healthcare system on POW is fragile and any loss or change of services can be detrimental to the community. Long term sustainability of Network

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Prince of Wales Health Network Ketchikan General Hospital

PO Box 812, Craig, AK 99921 Phone number: 907-826-2410

Fax number: 907-826-2411 www.princeofwaleshealthnetwork.org

infrastructure will be critical for viability of all health providers on POW. Behavioral health services on POW do not fill the current need. Planning will occur for improved emergency mental health services, substance abuse prevention, and integration of behavioral health with the primary care system. Network members will increase coordination of maternal child health services, improving access to prenatal, newborn, and reproductive health care. Increased community education will raise awareness of services available on POW and target specific areas of health concern. Expanded collaboration will be essential to sustaining services on POW and bringing additional sources of funding to POW. How the local community (region) to be served will benefit from and be involved in the activities carried out by the Network: The community will have increased access to a full continuum of behavioral health and prevention service, increased opportunities will be available to youth, and improved coordination of maternal child health will lead to better family health outcomes. Increased resources and services will be brought to POW through collaboration of Network members. Network sustainability will ensure improved access to a wide array of quality health services for all residents. The community will participate in the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, outreach and educational campaigns, and community forums. Community surveys will ensure education objectives are met and targeted health issues appropriate. The Network will expand membership to increase local representation on its Governing Body.

Technical Assistance Provider: Karen Wakeford Address: Georgia Health Policy Center

14 Marietta Street, NW, Suite 221 Atlanta, GA 30303

Telephone: 229-889-9632 Email: [email protected]

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Arizona Rural Women’s Health Network’s Eastern Area Health Education Center

5860 South Hospital Drive Globe, Arizona 85501 Phone number: 928-402-8054 / 928-474-3472

Fax number: 928-402-9242

Grant Number: D06RH21669 Program Type: Network Development Contact(s):

Name: Jeri Byrne Title: Executive Director Email address: [email protected] Name: Holly Crump Title: Director, AZ Rural Women's Health Network Email address: [email protected]

Project Period: 2011-2014 Expected funding level for each budget period: Sept 2011 to Aug 2012: $179,600

Sept 2012 to Aug 2013: $179,961 Sept 2013 to Aug 2014: $178,649


1. Eastern Area Health Education Center, Globe, Arizona 2. Greater Valley Area Health Education Center, Apache Junction, Arizona 3. Northern Area Health Education Center, Flagstaff, Arizona 4. Western Area Health Education Center, Yuma, Arizona


This is a statewide network which represents all counties in the state of Arizona

The target population served: Rural and Underserved women in Arizona Focus areas of grant program: Develop a colla borative infrastructure to

enhance AzR WHN’s effectiveness in addressing rural women’s health issues

Develop a strategy to sustain and grow the network

Develop pathways for improving Arizona rural women’s access to health information and services in their own communities

Description (3/4 of a page) of the Network Development project:

The issue: There is a lack of health care information, services, and accessibility in Arizona’s rural areas specifically designed to reach women, who are the key conduits for health care and wellness within their families. As a result there are health disparities among rural women themselves and their associated family members

AzRWHN is a partnership of Arizona’s five regional Area Health Education Centers along with seven state and nonprofit organizations which are:

Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Women’s & Children’s

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Fax number: 928-402-9242

Health (ADHS-BWCH) Arizona Department of Health Services Native American Community

Development Program (ADHS-NACDP) Arizona Office of Rural Health - University of Arizona Mel and Enid

Zuckerman College of Public Health (ASORH–MEZCOPH) Arizona Association of Community Health Centers (AACHC) Mariposa Community Health Center (MCHC) North Country Health Care (NCHC) Mogollon Health Alliance (MHA)

Purpose of the project: To further develop AzRWHN so that it can harness the collective power of diverse Network members to assess, coordinate, and respond to the multiple issues that shape rural women’s health in Arizona.

Time frame: Three years beginning May 1, 2011

Project Goals:

Goal 1: Develop a collaborative infrastructure to enhance the Arizona Rural Women’s Health Network’s effectiveness in addressing rural women’s health issues.

Objectives:

1.1 - Formalize the Network’s composition and structure by the end of Year 1 1.2 – During Years 1-3, create and maintain effective working relationships among Network members 1.3 - Develop a 3-year Strategic Plan aligned with federal, state, and local Healthy People goals by the end of Year 1

Goal 2: Develop pathways for improving Arizona rural women’s access to health information and services in their own communities

Objectives: 2.1 – During Year 1, clarify the gaps in health care for rural women in Arizona

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Fax number: 928-402-9242

2.2 – During Year 2, design a Rural Women’s Health Information and Referral Services system

Goal 3: Develop a strategy to sustain and grow the Network.

Objectives:

3.1 – By the end of Year 2, develop a Business Plan for the Network

3.2 – Market the Network to potential new members and communities during Years 1-3

3.3 – During Years 2 and 3, generate additional funding streams to support the continued work of the Network

Technical Assistance Provider: Deana Farmer Address: Georgia Health Policy Center



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The Santa Cruz County Adolescent Wellness Network Mariposa Community Health Center

1852 N. Mastick Way, Nogales, Arizona 85621 Phone number: 520-375-6050

Fax number: 520-761-2153 www.mariposachc.net


Name: Susan Kunz Title: Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Email address: [email protected]




1. Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools (Nogales) 2. Santa Cruz County Cooperative Extension (Nogales) 3. University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

(Tucson) The communities/counties that the Network project serves:

Santa Cruz County, Arizona

The target population served: Adolescents 12-25 years of age Focus areas of grant program: Promotion of adolescent health, literacy and wellness through integration of

community-based and school-based health services, including development of school-based clinics.


The Santa Cruz County Adolescent Wellness Network was established in 2009. Original partners invite new partners to join the effort to: assess adolescent-serving organization training needs; build capacity; serve as a clearing house; promote service integration across the community and schools; and develop new services for adolescents. For those schools that are interested, the AWN will promote adoption of coordinated school health policies and will serve as a liaison between the school and health sectors to explore and create school-based clinics, as feasible.




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Tohono O'odham Health Services Network (TOHSN) Tohono O'odham Nursing Care Authority

HCO1 Box 9100, Sells, AZ 85634 Phone number: 520-444-4109 Fax number: 520-361- 3656

www.TOLTC.org


Name: Lee Olitzky Title: Network Director Email address: [email protected]




1. Tohono O'odham Community College 2. HIS 3. Tohono O'odham Dept. of Health/Human Services (Sells, AZ )


Tohono O'odham Nation

The target population served: Tohono O'odham elders Focus areas of grant program: Elder health services Description (3/4 of a page) of the Network Development project:

The Project: By formally networking key agencies currently serving elders through the Tohono O'odham Health Services Network (TOHSN), a self sustaining system of elder care will be developed with the goals of establishing a self sustaining network of elder care providers and expanding the capabilities of the network members to deliver improved health care services. The TOHSN will improve the capabilities amongst provide organizations. It will expand, strengthen and act as a catalyst for coordination of culturally appropriate health services.

Technical Assistance Provider: Eric Baumgartner

Address: P.O. Box 307; Abita Springs, LA 70420 Telephone: 504-813-3688

Email: [email protected]

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Siloam Springs Regional Health Cooperative

Siloam Springs Regional Health Cooperative dba Bridges To Wellness PO Box 1568, Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Phone number: 479-549-3143 Fax number: 479-549-3243 www.bridgestowellness.org


Name: Emerson Goodwin, ARcare Title: Executive Director Email address: [email protected]




1. Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital, Inc. (Siloam Springs, AR) 2. Community Physicians Group (Siloam Springs, AR) 3. St. Francis House, Inc, dba Community Clinic (Siloam Springs, AR) 4. Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce (Siloam Springs, AR) 5. Ozark Guidance (Siloam Springs, AR) 6. Quick Care Clinic (Siloam Springs, AR) 7. Siloam Springs School District (Siloam Springs, AR) 8. Benton County Health Department (Rogers, AR)


Benton and Washington Counties in Arkansas, and Adair, Cherokee and Delaware Counties in Oklahoma

The target population served: 23,000 Focus areas of grant program: Improve the capacity of providers to treat

and prevent chronic disease Create a sustainability plan and update the strategic plan to ensure the future viability and growth of the Network

Increase provider knowledge and effective use of Health Information Technology


SSRHC serves medically underserved residents of Benton and Washington counties in Arkansas and Adair, Cherokee and Delaware counties in Oklahoma (total pop. 111,131). In this service area, 23,000 individuals (21%) lack health insurance, and more than 18,000 (16.5%) live in poverty.1 Consequently, unmet health care needs include: 1) a lack of access to care caused by lack of insurance and an inability to afford care and 2) a high prevalence of untreated chronic disease. Diabetes is the

1 US Census American Community Survey 2006-2008; Siloam Springs Special Census 2006

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most prevalent; 20.9% of the service area suffers from diabetes—almost three times the national rate and more than twice the Arkansas state rate 2

Therefore, providers in the service area face challenges of meeting the overwhelming community need for chronic disease management (particularly for diabetes), while also combating inefficiencies in the use of Health Information Technology systems that drain providers’ valuable time and resources. For the purposes of this grant project, SSRHC has developed three goals in response to the needs for treatment and prevention options for chronic illnesses, more effective use of Health Information Technology systems at member organizations, and ways to ensure the sustainability of the network. Thus, the Goals and Objectives of this Network Development project are as follows:

Goal #1: Improve the capacity of members to treat and prevent chronic disease

Objective 1.1: Increase provider knowledge and use of evidence-based best practices for diabetes management

Objective 1.2: Increase coordination between providers and community stakeholders in developing chronic disease prevention and management programs

Goal #2: Increase provider knowledge and effective use of Health Information Technology

Objective 2.1: Increase efficiency of providers’ HIT systems Goal #3: Create a sustainability plan and updated strategic plan to ensure

the future viability and growth of the Network Objective 3.1: Increase network board and staff understanding and

adoption of sustainability strategies Projected outcomes from grant-funded activities include: For Goal 1 (Improve the Capacity of Providers to Treat and Prevent Chronic Disease):

Diabetes forum held, providers learn best practices in diabetes management services from diabetes experts

Providers adopt best practices protocol in diabetes management services into practices (as evidenced by provider surveys) with the assistance of a Diabetes Educator

20 providers certified in Mental Health First aid per year 2 Rural Health Network Survey, University of Arkansas Survey Research Center, 2008

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Community Wellness Task Force in place, representative of a variety of community stakeholders

Curricula developed for three community-based chronic disease prevention and healthy living programs (School-Based, Know Your Numbers, and Family Health Manager)

For Goal 2 (Increase Providers Knowledge and Effective Use of Health Information Technology):

Health Information Technology forum held, providers learn how to use their HIT systems more effectively

Comprehensive analysis report of providers’ HIT systems produced, shared with providers

Plan for improvements in providers’ HIT systems produced, shared with providers

Providers trained in implementing recommended improvements Providers implement HIT best practices (as evidenced by provider surveys)

For Goal 3 (Create a sustainability plan to ensure the future viability and growth of the Network):

Sustainability plan produced, including case statements and community investment report

Collaborations between providers respond to community or network needs Visits to other networks completed, best practices adopted Board is more effective due to annual board training (as evidenced by board

surveys) Appropriate new members added Updated strategic plan adopted by board

Technical Assistance Provider: Eric Baumgartner

Address: P.O. Box 307; Abita Springs, LA 70420 Telephone: 504-813-3688

Email: [email protected]

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North Florida Rural Healthcare Workforce Development Network North Florida Community College

325 NW Turner Davis Drive, Madison, FL 32340 Phone number: 850-298-6013

Fax number: 850-298-6050 www.NFMC.ORG www.NFCC.EDU


Name: Deidra McRory Newman Title: Director of Public Awareness Email address: [email protected]




1. The Florida State College of Medicine 2. North Florida Community College 3. North Florida Medical Centers, Inc. 4. Doctors’ Memorial Hospital 5. Madison County Memorial Hospital


The Florida Counties of Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor

The target population served: Rural North Florida Workforce Development Network Project’s target population is the combined population of Medically Underserved Populations of the 6 county (NFCC) Service Area, the Network “service area.” Covering 163 acres, NFCC is the smallest public college in Florida, yet serves the largest geographical area covering Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties with a total land mass of 4,076 square miles (7.55% of the total Florida land mass).

Focus areas of grant program: Recruitment Retraining Training Retention of the health care workforce in

the underserved populations Description (3/4 of a page) of the Network Development project:

Rural North Florida Workforce Development Network Project The ultimate overarching Network goal is to increase access and quality of rural healthcare and ultimately, improve the health status of our rural residents. Our six “rural” communities struggle in their efforts to recruit, train, retrain and retain an adequate number of health care professionals to provide access to and high-quality health care for their residents, while facing increased emergent and chronic health care needs, disparities and high morbidity rates when compared to state and national averages. The need for access to, and demand for, high quality health care services is increasing due to the high risk factors facing our rural communities, and the lack of and/or loss of insurance for low-income and unemployed people. The Network project will help us continue efforts to bring together stakeholders, a collaborative coalition of

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North Florida Rural Healthcare Workforce Development Network North Florida Community College

325 NW Turner Davis Drive, Madison, FL 32340 Phone number: 850-298-6013

Fax number: 850-298-6050 www.NFMC.ORG www.NFCC.EDU

business, community and health care leaders and providers from our six counties, to facilitate discussion and assess existing and potential gaps, discover common purpose and priorities, and develop new and innovative ideas, potential solutions and strategies for future actions in the area of health care workforce development and sustainability.




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Indiana Veterans Behavioral Health Network (IVBHN) Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana, Inc.

3600 Woodview Trace, Ste. 103 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone number: 317-536-4684

Fax number: 317-471-1891 www.aspin.org


Name: Martha Levey. Ed.D. Title: Business Development Coordinator Email address: [email protected]




1. Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (Indianapolis, IN) 2. Indiana Rural Health Association (Terre Haute, IN) 3. Purdue Military Family Research Institute (Lafayette, IN) 4. Roudebush VA Center (Indianapolis, IN)


Statewide

The target population served: Rural veterans and families Focus areas of grant program: To develop veteran cultural competence

among providers of care

To connect 5 community mental health centers as telemedicine spokes connecting to services at Roudebush VA Center


Brief Overview: The state of Indiana is home to over 500,000 veterans and ranks fourth in the nation in the number of National Guard soldiers deployed to OIF/OEF. Indiana’s VISN 11 ranks seventh among all VISNs in suicide completions. The behavioral health needs of the veteran population continue to be the focus of the Indiana Veterans Behavioral Health Network (IVBHN) funded in 2009 through a HRSA Rural Network Development Planning Grant. Network goals will be achieved through a unique, innovative public/ private partnership among Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana, Inc., the Indiana Rural Health Association, the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University and five community mental health providers: Bowen Center, Four County Counseling Center, Centerstone East, Hamilton Center, Inc., and Wabash Valley Alliance. The clinical focus of the grant is

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Indiana Veterans Behavioral Health Network (IVBHN) Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana, Inc.

3600 Woodview Trace, Ste. 103 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone number: 317-536-4684

Fax number: 317-471-1891 www.aspin.org

on VISN 11’s catchment area; the educational focus is statewide. The potential exists for multi-state expansion within VISN 11 to include Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois.

Primary Needs 1. The need for greater access for veterans and their families to behavioral healthcare services closer to their rural homes. 2. The need for solutions to meeting veteran’s behavioral healthcare needs in medical and professional shortage areas. 3. The need for training of mental health providers and primary care providers regarding veterans needs.

Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits: 1: To develop veteran cultural competence among providers of care. This grant will provide training, a stage model of competence designations for providers, and a means of assessing organizational cultural competence to maintain this focus. Family Education Meetings will reduce feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that contribute to depression and suicidal ideation and will assist families in building additional networks of support. 2: To connect five selected community mental health centers as spokes to the Veterans Administration Center telemedicine hub. Formation of this network represents a unique military/civilian partnership to increase behavioral health access for rural veterans through telemedicine spoke access points to prevent emotional deterioration while maintaining access to medications, resulting in more positive outcomes for veterans.

Technical Assistance Provider: Lynne Kernaghan Address: Georgia Health Policy Center



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Mountain Health Alliance Network Western Maryland Area Health Education Center

600 Memorial Avenue, South Wing Suite 4, Cumberland, MD 21502 Phone number: 301-777-9150 ext. 115

Fax number: 301-777-2649 http://ahec.allconet.org/


Name: Jen Thomas Title: Program Coordinator Email address: [email protected]




1. Allegany County Health Department (Cumberland, MD) 2. Allegany County Health Right (Cumberland, MD) 3. Mineral County Health Department (Keyser, WV) 4. Mineral County Family Resource Network (Keyser, WV) 5. Tri-State Community Health Center (Cumberland, MD & Hancock, MD) 6. Washington County Health Department (Hagerstown, MD) 7. Western Maryland Area Health Education Center (Cumberland, MD)


Rural Allegany and Washington counties in Maryland and Mineral County in West Virginia (the “Region”)

The target population served: Low-income uninsured/underinsured persons who live in the target region – approximately 20,000 people

Focus areas of grant program: Formalize Network bylaws Formalize Network strategic plan

Increase access to oral healthcare in the Region (possibly add a dental clinic to a federally qualified health center (FQHC) or health department, or developing a portable mobile unit

Formalize Sustainability Plan

Achieve Sustainability for the Network & strategies placed within the community


The goal and mission of Mountain Health Alliance (“MHA” or “the Network”) is to integrate the collective experience and expertise of existing rural health organizations and coalitions into a sustainable regional health-oriented network charged with expanding access to, coordinating, and improving the quality of essential health care services, as well as enhancing the delivery of health care, in three rural Western

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Mountain Health Alliance Network Western Maryland Area Health Education Center

600 Memorial Avenue, South Wing Suite 4, Cumberland, MD 21502 Phone number: 301-777-9150 ext. 115

Fax number: 301-777-2649 http://ahec.allconet.org/

Maryland and West Virginia counties. Activities of MHA will benefit both Network partners and the community served by the Network by integrating systems of care administratively, clinically, and financially, thereby strengthening the rural healthcare system in the region as a whole. MHA’s vision is to eliminate health disparities based on rurality, income, and education in the region it serves.

Because these existing coalitions have identified oral health as the most pressing current need in this region, particularly for low-income and uninsured rural residents, MHA will primarily address this concern during the three-year funding cycle. However, during the last year of the funding cycle, a needs assessment will be conducted to identify the next critical need to be addressed by the sustainable Network in subsequent years. The program will strengthen existing ties with current coalition members and expand the Network to include additional partners and, potentially, the counties it serves.

MHA’s service area will include three counties in two states, home to approximately 100,000 rural residents. MHA’s target population will be low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents, close to 20 percent of the total population, or 20,000 persons. However, nearly all residents of the rural area will benefit, as most have friends or family members who suffer with poor oral health and lack of access to care. The socioeconomic impact of rehabilitating diseased mouths includes better employability and quality of life for persons whose teeth and gums have been neglected. Relieving the pain, stigma, and detrimental health effects of poor oral health will translate into greater productivity, quality of life, and care-giving capacity of persons who currently have no or little access to affordable dental care. This, in turn, positively affects the entire community. After Year Three, other critical healthcare needs will be addressed by MHA and will further positively impact the Region’s health and socioeconomic status.

Technical Assistance Provider: John Shoemaker Address: 974 North Lubec Road, Lubec, ME 04652


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The Northern Michigan Integrated Services Network Alcona Citizens for Health, Inc.

P.O. Box 279, 177 N. Barlow Rd., Lincoln, MI 48742 Phone number: 989-306-0829

Fax number: 989-785-4173


Name: Marian E. Weber Title: BSN, MAOM, CPME Principal Investigator Email address: [email protected]




1. St. Joseph Health System (Tawas, MI) 2. Sterling Area Health Center (Sterling, MI)


Alcona, Iosco, Arenac, Ogemaw Counties

The target population served: The Northern Michigan Integrated Services Network will serve Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda Counties in the northern section of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Focus areas of grant program: Behavioral Health Integration Integration of Administrative Functions Provider Recruitment and Retention


The Northern Michigan Integrated Services Network will serve Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda Counties in the northern section of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. This service area faces serious challenges for health care access due to high rates of under and uninsured individuals, widespread economic and social deprivation, joblessness, underemployment, geographic isolation, harsh climate, lack of transportation resources, and a large elderly population with extensive health care needs. All five counties are medically underserved communities and Health Professional Shortage Areas. The partner organizations provide virtually all of the primary care that is available in the proposed service area. The three health care organizations that are creating this formative Network are:

Alcona Citizens for Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides comprehensive primary care services in Iosco, Alcona, and Alpena County;

Sterling Area Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides comprehensive primary care services in Arenac and Ogemaw Counties; and

St. Joseph Health System, a regional non-profit hospital and health system that serves the five-county proposed service area with a hospital in Tawas City and a variety of clinic locations in Iosco and Oscoda Counties

The organizations have a longstanding history of successful collaboration. In 2007

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The Northern Michigan Integrated Services Network Alcona Citizens for Health, Inc.

P.O. Box 279, 177 N. Barlow Rd., Lincoln, MI 48742 Phone number: 989-306-0829

Fax number: 989-785-4173

they received a Network Planning Grant and completed a thorough Needs Assessment and have a formal Memorandum of Agreement in place. As a result of the Needs Assessment, the partners pursued and received a Rural Health Outreach Grant to develop an integrated primary care recruitment and retention project. The funding will end in 2012 and the project is on track to be fully sustained through support from additional partnerships. This successful project will provide the foundation to support the integrated service model and the care coordination strategies needed for a formalized Network Development between the partners. The Network Development Grant will be used to develop a formal structure for programming both in the area of direct services and in shared administrative services. Shared approaches to the delivery of integrated behavioral health services will be the first direct service focus area for the Network.

Technical Assistance Provider: Catherine Liemohn Address: Georgia Health Policy Center



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Huron-Sanilac EMS Network PO Box 265, Caro, MI 48723 Phone number: 989-284-5345

Fax number: 888-347-8154 www.ruralemsnetwork.org

Grant Number: D06RH21673-01-00 Program Type: Network Development Contact(s):

Name: Leslie Hall Title: Director Email address: [email protected]

Project Period: 2011-2014 Expected funding level for each budget period: Sept 2011 to Aug 2012: 180,000

Sept 2012 to Aug 2013: 180,000 Sept 2013 to Aug 2014: 180,000


1. Sebewaing Ambulance Service 2. Croswell EMS 3. Central Huron Ambulance 4. Elkton EMS 5. Sanilac Ambulance 6. East Huron Ambulance 7. Scheurer Hospital 8. Marlette Regional Hospital 9. Bingham Ambulance Service


Rural Michigan

The target population served: EMS services & professionals that provide service in rural Michigan. Focus areas of grant program: Improve the healthcare environment and

level of support for Rural EMS Professionals and the companies for which they work.

Provide opportunities, events, resources, and technical assistance that expand and enhances the effectiveness of rural EMS professionals

Provide opportunities, events, resources, and technical assistance that expand and enhance the effectiveness of rural EMS companies.


The expansion of a two county EMS Network to a statewide Michigan Rural EMS Network will increase the effectiveness of rural EMS delivery systems and thereby decrease morbidity and mortality of patients.

The development of the Michigan Rural EMS Network will directly impact rural EMS companies and rural EMS professionals. The network activities are expected to

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Huron-Sanilac EMS Network PO Box 265, Caro, MI 48723 Phone number: 989-284-5345

Fax number: 888-347-8154 www.ruralemsnetwork.org

strengthen the financial viability of rural EMS companies, as well as the capability of providing quality care. Initiatives which address the needs of rural EMS professionals will also help to ensure that there is adequate training and support, thereby ensuring they are up to date on new and emerging technologies and standards. Additionally, efforts to advocate for an EMS career path which provides adequate compensation and benefits will attract highly qualified persons to the service of EMS. With recruitment and retention cited as the top need of rural EMS companies, this is critical to the long term survival of rural EMS systems. Examples of how project activities are expected to positively impact rural EMS companies and professionals include:

Documentation and insurance submission of rural EMS claims is unique. Successful training of rural EMS administrators and billing staff will improve the recovery of insurance and private pay claims, thereby increasing revenue to replace outdated equipment and to train EMS professionals.

Participation in group purchasing and discount programs will allow rural EMS companies the same efficiencies of scale that their urban counterparts have for purchasing supplies, equipment and materials. This will help to reduce the disparity between rural EMS equipment and resources as compared to urban systems.

Increasing financial stability of rural EMS companies will make room in tight budgets to improve salaries and benefits for EMS personnel, improving morale and assisting in recruitment and retention efforts.

Formal and informal networking efforts will enable rural EMS providers to learn from their peers about opportunities and successful programs in other areas of the state, and across the nation.

Financial viability will allow rural EMS agencies to remain in business in local communities, thereby reducing response times and impacting morbidity and mortality rates.

Technical Assistance Provider: Catherine Liemohn Address: Georgia Health Policy Center



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The Michigan Neuro OnCall Network McKenzie Memorial Hospital

120 Delaware St, Sandusky, MI 48471-1009 Phone number: 517-339-0387

Fax number: 517-347-8950


Name: Donald A Wheeler Title: Project Director / PI Email address: [email protected]



Grantee organization’s consortium/Network partners: 1. McKenzie Memorial Hospital (Sandusky) 2. Memorial Healthcare (Owosso) 3. Carson City Hospital (Carson City) 4. HUB at St. John Providence Health System (Detroit, Michigan) 5. In Years 2 and 3 of the project, an additional six hospitals and the

communities they serve will be added to the project. The communities/counties that the Network project serves:

The targeted service area includes 6 rural Michigan counties of Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Montcalm, Shiawassee and Sanilac.

The target population served: In Year-1, the 342,976 persons living in 6 rural Michigan counties of Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Montcalm, Shiawassee and Sanilac.

Focus areas of grant program: The long-term mission/purpose of the Network is to ensure that physicians in Michigan’s rural community hospitals have 24/7 access to neurological and cardiovascular specialists when caring for patients suffering from strokes, seizures and other neurovascular problems. The applicant organization for the rural Network of communities applying for HRSA support under this application is McKenzie Memorial Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital located in Sandusky, Michigan. The urban Hub site for the provision of specialty Neuro OnCall services for the rural communities is the Neuroscience Center of Excellence of St. John Providence Health System in Detroit.


The long-term purpose and goals of the Network is to make Neuro OnCall services available to any rural community throughout Michigan, regardless of their geographic proximity to one another. The Hub site for the provision of the Neuro OnCall services for the rural communities is the Neuroscience Center of Excellence of St. John Providence Health System in Detroit. Project Goals include: 1. Formalize the development and operation of the rural-based, Neuro OnCall Network. 2. Improve the treatment and care outcomes for patients seen in rural community hospitals suffering from strokes, seizures and other neurovascular problems. 3. Realize local community revenue enhancements, cost savings and other efficiencies that result from an improved availability of, and delivery of, neurological

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The Michigan Neuro OnCall Network McKenzie Memorial Hospital

120 Delaware St, Sandusky, MI 48471-1009 Phone number: 517-339-0387

Fax number: 517-347-8950

specialty consultations to local primary care and emergency physicians. Expected benefits / outcomes of the 3-Year project include: a) The Neuro OnCall Network will operate as a self-sustaining, rural, non-profit organization that ensures the availability of specialty neurological and cardiovascular on-call services to rural communities throughout Michigan b) The Neuro OnCall Network will use telemedicine hardware and high speed voice, data and video communication links to enable neurology and cardiovascular intensivists to remotely monitor and consult in the management of over 5,000 critically ill stroke and neurological patients in at least nine (9) rural communities/hospitals by the end of this 3-year project. c) Provide access for rural communities to scarce physician specialists. d) The Network will significantly reduce travel times to distant medical centers for over 1,800 local stroke patients and their families. e) A reduction in death rates from stroke in the targeted rural counties to a level equal that of State/National averages by the end of the project’s third year; saving the lives of approximately 90 stroke patients annually. f) The financial impact of the proposed Network is estimated at $21,761,914 in hospital inpatient revenues that will be retained by the nine targeted rural communities.

Technical Assistance Provider: Naima Wong Address: Georgia Health Policy Center



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Health and Wellness Cooperative of Northern Michigan (HWCNM) Northern Michigan Regional Health Systems

416 Connable Ave. Petoskey, MI 49770 Phone number: 231-487-5733

Fax number: 231-487-7881


Name: Tracy Andrews Title: Executive Director Email address: [email protected]




1. Northern Michigan Hospital (Petoskey, MI) 2. Charlevoix Area Hospital (Charlevoix, MI) 3. Beaver Island Rural Health Clinic (Beaver Island, MI) 4. Cheboygan Memorial Hospital (Cheboygan, MI) 5. Mackinac Straits Hospital (St. Ignace, MI)


Counties: Cheboygan, Emmet, Charlevoix, Presque Isle, and Mackinac

The target population served: All residents of the five-county area who rely on local providers for their primary care services.

Focus areas of grant program: Care coordination to promote health in the region for chronic disease states through prevention and education.

Increase the stability and quality of primary care in the region through evidence-based models of care


Health and Wellness Cooperative of Northern Michigan (HWCNM) was created to address the identified need to strengthen primary care in northern Michigan, with a primary goal of improved patient access, cost effective medical care, and high quality of support for care delivery

The goals of the Network Development project are to increase access to quality care for residents and visitors, collaborate to strengthen the health care delivery system, and empower patients and providers through education. The network will begin with coordination of services to provide increased education and prevention for chronic disease, beginning with a focus on diabetes. This coordination will include group visits, follow up contact with patients, and increased care coordination.

A team of chronic care educators has been assembled from each of the participating organizations. Through collaboration, we are working to effectively plan and

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Health and Wellness Cooperative of Northern Michigan (HWCNM) Northern Michigan Regional Health Systems

416 Connable Ave. Petoskey, MI 49770 Phone number: 231-487-5733

Fax number: 231-487-7881

coordinate further collaboration with area physicians to implement the education and prevention techniques identified by the providers and educators.

Additionally, the network intends to collaborate with Physician Organizations that are present in the region to increase stability and quality of care by coordinating efforts to transform area practices to Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) status. The network will coordinate education on the principles, standards and advantages of the PCMH model and work with practices and Physician Organizations to identify and pursue implementation resources. This project will assist with maintaining best practices and maximizing provider potential for enhanced reimbursement, while making recommendations for adaptations

Technical Assistance Provider: Eric Baumgartner Address: P.O. Box 307; Abita Springs, LA 70420


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Nevada Rural Health Network Development Initiative Humboldt General Hospital

118 East Haskell Street, Winnemucca, NV 89445 Phone number: 702-671-2340

Fax number: 702-992-6878 www.hghospital.ws


Name: Elissa J. Palmer, MD/Kelly O’Shaughnessy, JD Title: Network Director Email address: [email protected]




1. University of Nevada School of Medicine (Las Vegas, NV) 2. High Sierra Are Health Education Center (Reno, NV) 3. Community Physicians, Humboldt General Hospital (Winnemucca, NV) 4. Humboldt General Hospital (Winnemucca, NV)


Humboldt County and surrounding areas including Lander and Pershing counties

The target population served: Underserved residents in the rural/frontier counties of Humboldt, Lander and Pershing Focus areas of grant program: Increasing quality of care for rural

populations in target service area through establishment of a rural family medicine residency training site that includes a focus on increasing medical and obstetric educational opportunities and enhancement of prenatal service delivery.


Humboldt General Hospital, the University of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM), Department of Family and Community Medicine, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the High Sierra Area Health Education Center (HSAHEC) in Reno, Nevada, and independent solo practice family medicine physicians in Winnemucca, Nevada are collaborating to implement the Nevada Rural Health Network Development Initiative that includes establishing a Family Medicine (primary care) Rural Residency Program.

The Frontier Family Medicine Training Program will provide experience in rural care by strategically altering the location, curricular and patient base exposure of family medicine physicians in training with the addition of a rural community-based training track program that couples core concepts in community based training with the delivery of health care services in rural communities. Principles of patient centered

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Nevada Rural Health Network Development Initiative Humboldt General Hospital

118 East Haskell Street, Winnemucca, NV 89445 Phone number: 702-671-2340

Fax number: 702-992-6878 www.hghospital.ws

medical home, technology such as e-visits and telemedicine, and group visits for preventions, wellness, chronic disease and pregnancy will be incorporated into the training program. The long term goal of the training program is to increase the regional recruitment and retention of health care practitioners as a means of sustaining the provision of high quality local health care services in rural/frontier communities throughout Nevada.

Implementation of the Nevada Rural Health Network Development Initiative will increase physician/patient ratios with the addition of resident physicians; add to rural residency opportunities leading to a greater number of physicians electing to practice family medicine/primary care in rural areas; increase services including wellness and prevention; and increase access to healthcare for underserved populations (elderly, homeless, HIV/AIDS, etc) in rural communities of Nevada improving the health status of rural Nevadans.




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Union County Health and Wellness Network Clayton Health Systems

P.O. Box 489 Clayton, NM 88415 Phone number: 575-374-2585 ext. 163

Fax number: 575-374-8146


Name: Kristen Christy Title: Network Director Email address: [email protected]




1. Clayton Health Systems: Clayton (New Mexico) 2. Clayton / Union County Chamber of Commerce (Clayton, New Mexico) 3. Clayton Municipal Schools (Clayton, New Mexico) 4. Dr. Patrick C de Baca, Independent Surgeon (Clayton, New Mexico) (Raton,

New Mexico) 5. Des Moines Municipal Schools / Des Moines School-Based Health and

Wellness Center (Des Moines, New Mexico) 6. Union County Public Health Office (Clayton, New Mexico)


Union County, New Mexico

The target population served: All Union County, New Mexico residents Focus areas of grant program: Network Infrastructure Development Coordination of a Continuum of Care

Healthcare Workforce Development

Community Wellness


Union County, located in the far northeastern corner of New Mexico, is one of the most isolated, sparsely populated counties in the state. Union County faces multiple health disparities and obstacles to overcoming them:

1. a severe workforce shortage: sufficient providers—particularly primary-care and oral-health—are not available to support the County’s current demand

2. continuum of care coordination: whereas needs assessments had been conducted by the Community Health Council, insufficient follow-up and coordination had been performed to respond to these needs effectively;

3. providers and services alone cannot not fully meet the County’s needs; other supports must be developed to improve community health and wellness; and

4. an insufficient infrastructure is in place for addressing the above HRSA funding will support the development of core infrastructure that will allow the Network to govern effectively and sustain its efforts over time; a plan to recruit, retain,

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Union County Health and Wellness Network Clayton Health Systems

P.O. Box 489 Clayton, NM 88415 Phone number: 575-374-2585 ext. 163

Fax number: 575-374-8146

and develop healthcare workforce, particularly primary-care and oral-health providers; coordinate a continuum of care, and promote a collaborative, grassroots approach to community health and wellness that acts on multiple socioecological levels. A grassroots initiative is proposed that unites healthcare providers with schools, civic organizations, community groups, to promote, and advocate, effect, and measure change. Through its representative governance structure, the community is involved at all stages from planning to evaluation. Additionally, a Community Advisory Committee ensures that voices are heard from more isolated parts of the County, and community organizations, women’s clubs, student groups… are encouraged to participate. The long-term impacts on Union County communities include improved access to quality healthcare services; strengthened ability of the healthcare system to effectively respond to identified community health needs; increase in behaviors that promote health and well-being; and reduction in chronic disease and health disparities.




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North Dakota Rural Behavioral Health Network

Coal Country Community Health Center 1312 Highway 49, N Beulah, ND 58523-6038

Phone number: 701-873-7788, Ext. 110 Fax number: 701-873-4504


Name: Dawn Berg Title: CEO Email address: [email protected]




The North Dakota Rural Behavioral Health (NDRBH) Network consists of:

1. Mental Health America of North Dakota (MHAND) 2. Coal Country Community Health Centers (CCCHC) 3. Three Affiliated Tribes (TAT) 4. North Dakota Area Health Education Center (NDAHEC) 5. ND Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (ND FFCMH)


Rural areas of North Dakota

The target population served: People in rural and tribal communities in North Dakota Focus areas of grant program: The ND RBH Network will establish four

committees: Governance, Membership, Education & Outreach, and Sustainability. An Advisory Council will also be established to help ND RBH Network's goal of collaboration.

Creation of a successful network of behavioral health entities to improve access to behavioral health care and reduce behavioral health disparities.

Improved access to behavioral health care to reduce health disparities.

Resources in place to sustain the RBH Network.


The North Dakota Rural Behavioral Health Network (NDRBH Network) will serve North Dakota, one of the most rural areas in the United States. The NDRBH Network will develop strategies to address the stigma regarding health behavior, lack of behavioral health providers, and lack of coordinated services as well as primary care providers who are unprepared to meet behavioral health issues. The Network’s mission is to improve access to behavioral health care and eliminate behavioral health disparities in rural and tribal communities. The initial site for the project, the communities in Western North Dakota served by the CCCHC and MHA BHD, will benefit immediately. The presentation of the culturally competent curriculum and Mental Health First Aid will increase awareness and provide the first step in increasing primary providers’ capacity to better serve consumers with behavioral health issues.

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North Dakota Rural Behavioral Health Network

Coal Country Community Health Center 1312 Highway 49, N Beulah, ND 58523-6038

Phone number: 701-873-7788, Ext. 110 Fax number: 701-873-4504

The development of strategies for collaboration and outreach will improve access for tribal and rural residents in that area. The extension of the “lessons learned” in Year 1 to the other CHCs and tribal areas offer those areas to use the same process to personalize their own development of strategies for improving access to care.



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The Emergency Access Network Pioneer Memorial Hospital

315 N. Washington St. Viborg, SD 57070-2002 Phone number: 605-328-6973

Fax number: 605-312-6071 www.pioneermemorial.org


Name: Marilyn Dahler Penticoff Title: Clinical Coordinator Email address: [email protected]




1. Ortonville Area Health Services (Ortonville, MN) 2. Sanford Vermillion Medical Center (Vermillion, SD) 3. Sanford Tracy Medical Center (Tracy, MN) 4. Sanford Hospital (Westbrook, MN) 5. Sanford Regional Hospital (Worthington, MN) 6. Sanford USD Medical Center (Sioux Falls, SD) 7. Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center (Chamberlain, SD) 8. Community Memorial Hospital (Burke, SD) 9. Winner Regional Healthcare Center (Winner, SD) 10. Sanford Hospital Canton-Inwood (Canton, SD) 11. Sanford Duel County Medical Center (Clear Lake, SD)


Serving the communities listed above in the SD counties of Turner, Clay, Gregory, Duel, Brule, Minnehaha, Tripp, Lincoln and the Minnesota counties of Big Stone, Lyon, Cottonwood, and Nobles

The target population served: Rural and underserved communities, elderly Focus areas of grant program: To increase access to patient-centered

emergency care through telemedicine technology


Rural and underserved communities and residents have above average need for emergency care but limited access to immediate, 24-hour care. Current research on emergency care indicates that high-quality care is critical in the early hours of an emergency event. Rural hospitals are not often staff with 24-hour physician coverage; in some hospitals, coverage is provided only by nursing staff and midlevel providers. Additionally, emergency trained physicians are located in urban centers; rural physicians are trained in family medicine and have less experience with high risk, low volume events. The Emergency Access Network project aims to: 1) increase access to patient-centered emergency care through telemedicine technology; and 2) Develop a Network strategic plan. In meeting these goals, the rural residents in the service area will have access to patient-centered care that is safe, effective, timely, efficient and equitable.

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The Emergency Access Network Pioneer Memorial Hospital

315 N. Washington St. Viborg, SD 57070-2002 Phone number: 605-328-6973

Fax number: 605-312-6071 www.pioneermemorial.org

Ultimately, rural residents will experience decreased mortality, morbidity and lost productivity from strokes, traumatic injuries and other emergency related events.



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The Chest Pain, Stroke, and Heart Failure Network Hickman Community Health Care Services, a member of Saint Thomas Health

135 East Swan Street Centerville, TN 37033-1417 Phone number: 615-222-4820

Fax number: 615-222-4897 www.hickmanhospital.com

www.sths.com/networkservices


Name: Ranee Curtis Title: Director, Chest Pain, Stroke and Heart Failure Network – Saint Thomas Health Email address: [email protected]




1. Saint Thomas Heart (Nashville, TN) 2. Saint Thomas Neurology (Nashville, Lincoln, Hardin, Decatur, Lawrence,

and Perry, TN) Saint Thomas Health Services is a network resource providing telemedicine expertise and clinical resources on an in-kind basis for the project.


Lincoln, Hardin, Decatur, Lawrence, and Perry Counties in Tennessee, with projected expansion into 60 additional counties throughout middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky

The target population served: It is well documented in health disparity research that despite medical advancements, certain populations are more vulnerable to coronary heart disease and stroke than others. Among the more vulnerable groups, according to Rural Healthy People 2020, are “rural populations, particularly those in the South and Appalachian region.” The target population includes these rural populations in middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky.

Focus areas of grant program: Initially, the program will focus on cardiovascular disease and post- stroke care utilizing the framework of the Chest Pain, Stroke, and Heart Failure Network. Other specialty medical services will be introduced as the Network grows.


The goal of this program is to develop a Telehealth network that will expand the delivery of and access to cardiac and neurology services across rural counties of Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Within these counties, there is a shortage of primary care providers as well as limited access to specialty physicians who can address the needs of cardiac and neurology patients. The existing healthcare service gaps open the door for a Telehealth network to connect patients in Tennessee rural settings with specialty physicians at Saint Thomas Heart and Saint Thomas Neurology

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The Chest Pain, Stroke, and Heart Failure Network Hickman Community Health Care Services, a member of Saint Thomas Health

135 East Swan Street Centerville, TN 37033-1417 Phone number: 615-222-4820

Fax number: 615-222-4897 www.hickmanhospital.com

www.sths.com/networkservices

in Nashville. Other specialties will be integrated once the program is established.

The program will result in better health outcomes of rural populations with the overarching goal to develop and sustain a Telehealth network that improves the amount and degree of cardiac and neurology specialty care. The end result will be greater access to and improved diagnosis, treatment, and intervention related to cardiac disease and stroke, ultimately reducing regional heart disease and stroke deaths. Importantly, through this process, partnering rural facilities will be strengthened through their affiliation with a formalized network of Telehealth providers.



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Hancock County Rural Health Network WestCare Kentucky, Inc.

P.O. Box 32, Sneedville, TN 37869 Phone number: 423-300-0609 / 502-395-1771

Fax number: 423-733-2681 / 702-385-2090 www.westcare.com


Name: Leslie Wilson Title: Network Coordinator Email address: [email protected] Name: Jenifer Noland Title: Network Director Email address: [email protected]




1. Hancock Mayor’s Office (Sneedville, TN) 2. Hancock Home Health and Hospice (Sneedville, TN) 3. Rural Health Services Consortium (Sneedville, TN) 4. Wellmont Hancock County Hospital (Sneedville, TN) 5. WestCare TN (Sneedville, TN)


Hancock County

The target population served: Citizens of Hancock County Focus areas of grant program: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Integration into Primary Care


The overall purpose of the Hancock County Rural Health Network is to achieve efficiencies in the local health care system by expanding access to, coordinating and improving the quality of essential health care services. Specifically, the Network will seek to strengthen the rural health care system as a whole by planning and developing the seamless integration of substance abuse, mental health and other behavioral health care services in the existing and expanding primary health system of care. We plan to establish a Community Involvement Center where citizens can utilize licensed outpatient services and ancillary services. We also plan to provide telehealth services at this facility and other needed services such as DUI classes and AA/NA meetings. The telehealth aspect will keep us connected to the primary care providers and allow for citizens to receive services that they otherwise would not have access to.

Technical Assistance Provider: Naima Wong Address: Georgia Health Policy Center



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Southeast Texas Hospital System 231 S Market Street, PO Box 947, Goliad, Texas 77963

Phone number: 361-645-1762 Fax number: 361-645-1743

www.seths.info


Name: (Interim) Shannon Calhoun Title: Executive Director, SETHS Email address: [email protected]




1. Bayside Community Hospital (Anahuac, Texas) 2. Brazosport Regional Health System (Lake Jackson, Texas) 3. Columbus Community Hospital (Columbus, Texas) 4. El Campo Memorial Hospital (El Campo, Texas) 5. Lavaca Medical Center (Hallettsville, Texas) 6. Matagorda County Hospital District (Bay City, Texas) 7. Memorial Medical Center (Port Lavaca, Texas) 8. Stamford Memorial Hospital (Stamford, Texas)


Chambers County, Brazoria County, Matagorda County, Colorado County, Wharton County, Calhoun County, Lavaca County, Jones County

The target population served: All Patients of partners who give to consent of health information exchange Focus areas of grant program: The focus area is data collection, aggregation and analysis of patient centric data

between disparate systems. Description (3/4 of a page) of the Network Development project:

The first year we will baseline the participants need regarding data collection, aggregation, and analysis and write a strategic plan for sharing data as well as technology. During the project we will develop regional policies and procedures for privacy and security, as well as risk management, regarding patient centric data. The group will create/develop/contract for a data repository/warehouse. Ultimately we will determine opportunities and plan for a sustainable business case for producing evidence of quality health care in the region.

Technical Assistance Provider: Eric Baumgartner Address: Georgia Health Policy Center



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The Giles County Health Network (G-NET) Giles Free Clinic

219 Buchanan Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 Phone number: 540-381-0820

Fax number: 540-382-3391 www.nrvfreeclinic.org


Name: Michelle Brauns Title: Executive Director Email address: [email protected]

Project Period: 2011-2014 Expected funding level for each budget period: May 2011 to Apr 2012: $169,710

May 2012 to Apr 2013: $155,710 May 2013 to Apr 2014: $155,710


1. Giles Free Clinic, Pearisburg, Virginia (VA) 2. Carilion Giles Community Hospital, Pearisburg, VA 3. Family Dental Clinic or the New River Valley, Christiansburg, VA 4. Giles Health and Family Center, Pearisburg, VA 5. Mental Health Association of the NRV, Blacksburg, VA 6. New River Community Action, Radford, VA 7. NRV CARES, Christiansburg, VA


Giles County, Virginia

The target population served: Uninsured adults and underserved children of Giles County Focus areas of grant program: The Giles County Health Network (G-NET) project will broaden the current target

population of uninsured adults to include underserved children by expanding access to the under-insured as well as the uninsured, by expanding the scope of available services in the County to include health navigation, and by facilitating the addition of critical transportation services and cultural training of medical professionals.


The Giles County Health Network (G-NET) project is an evolving health network serving Giles County, Virginia, located in far Southwest Virginia. Giles County is a picturesque region of Appalachian America, with rolling hills, cliffs, rivers and streams. It is quite rural and topographically isolated, and is culturally insulated due to the predominant Appalachian culture. The population base of 17,358 exhibits high indicators of poverty, unemployment, un-insurance and child abuse- all much higher than statewide averages. The project will serve low-income, under-and uninsured residents of Giles County. Due to the County’s geographic isolation, cultural insulation, and poverty, resident have limited financial and physical access to medical care, dental care, and mental health care. Transportation and provider shortages have been identified as primary barriers to the receipt of health care services.

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The Giles County Health Network (G-NET) Giles Free Clinic

219 Buchanan Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 Phone number: 540-381-0820

Fax number: 540-382-3391 www.nrvfreeclinic.org

The Giles County Health Network project will bring together seven distinct organizations to create a mature health network that integrates and expands access to primary and specialty care services delivered in Giles County, thus reducing the transportation barrier. Dental access, the leading unmet health need, will be expanded to Giles County residents via collaboration with a nearby dental clinic and coordination with a transportation service which will be made available to Network member organizations. The Network will provide all member organizations with annual Appalachian Cultural Competency trainings, to ensure a highly satisfied and engaged patient population. Network navigation activities will promote community involvement and result in more appropriate health-seeking behaviors. An ongoing Network Evaluation will examine both the Network process and outcomes, paying specific attention to long-term impacts at each social-ecological level.



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Leticia Manning Project Officer

Office of Rural Health Policy Health Resources and Services Administration

5600 Fishers Lane, Room 5A-55 Rockville, Maryland 20857

301-443-8335

[email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Rural Health Network Development Program