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Richland Health Network
| Topics |
Aging
Health promotion and disease prevention
Networking and collaboration
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| States served |
Montana
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| Description |
The Richland Health Network, a consortium of the Sidney Health Center, the Richland County Health Department, and the Richland County Commission on Aging, was designed to provide a coordinated approach to health screening, assessment, and education, as well as case management for residents aged 55 and older who are at risk for preventable hospitalizations. |
| Services offered |
Using a nurse and social worker team case management model to address community needs and provide solutions beyond the walls of a healthcare facility, the Network sought to move clients from more costly direct services into less expensive population-based services. The Network provided psychosocial and nursing services, home visiting, and advocacy through the nurse and social worker team. The project developed a collaborative communication system between partners and a database of nearly 30 percent of the older adults in the community. Health screenings included blood pressure, cholesterol screening, oximeter readings, blood sugar testing, and screenings for nutrition, hearing, and osteoporosis. Network staff outreach efforts included collaborating with nontraditional partners to provide health screenings and promotions at such locations as Ag Day seminars, county fairs, museums, and local businesses. Through these programs, the project distributed over 3,000 pieces of health promotional information. |
| Results |
The project was successful in meeting its objectives. By August 2002, 695 individuals had been assessed through home visits or wellness screenings. An additional 478 health screenings were conducted at various health fairs and other events throughout the county. During the project's operation, 14 percent of the general population over age 54 were rehospitalized during the targeted 30 - 90 day time range. During the same period, only 8 percent of the clients served by the Network's case management program were rehospitalized within the 30 - 90 day range. |
| Replication |
The Network was successful in sharing its model of care, successes, and challenges with local, State, and national care conferences in Montana, North Dakota, and Colorado. In addition, at the 2002 National Council on Aging/American Society on Aging conference, the National Coalition on Rural Aging featured the Richland Health Network as a "Best Practice Program" in rural aging. Networking with different programs and services provides a solid foundation on which to build a project using this model since funding sources often favor collaborating groups. The critical components of the project model - public health agencies, aging services, medical services, and psychosocial services - exist in some form in most areas. |
| Source |
Outreach Sourcebook, Vol. 9, 1999-2002, Office of Rural Health Policy
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| Contact person |
Theresa Livers, Continuum of Care Administrator
Sidney Health Center
104 14th Avenue, SW
Sidney, MT 59270
406.488.2207
406.488.2260 (fax)
tlivers@sidneyhealth.org |
| Date added |
July 11, 2005 |
| Date reviewed |
March 1, 2010 |
Summaries of success stories are provided by RAC for your convenience. Please contact the success story contact person directly for the most complete and current information.
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