Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program - Funding Track: Regular Track Focus Area(s): N/A (As the Regular Track is selected, no specific focus area is required.) Proposed Project Description: Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) is applying for HRSA funding to implement a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) program aimed at improving healthcare access for underserved populations in Decatur County, Indiana. The proposed project will address critical transportation barriers that hinder access to essential healthcare services, particularly for rural residents with low incomes, seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals with chronic health conditions. These populations are at greater risk for missed medical appointments, poor health outcomes, and increased healthcare disparities due to geographic isolation and limited transportation options. The NEMT program will provide reliable, accessible transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals in Decatur County, ensuring they can attend routine healthcare visits, preventive screenings, and follow-up appointments without transportation-related obstacles. By reducing missed appointments and facilitating consistent access to care, the project will improve chronic disease management, increase healthcare utilization, and promote better overall health outcomes in the community. Project Goals and Objectives: The proposed project aims to: 1. Provide reliable, non-emergency transportation for individuals in Decatur County who face transportation challenges accessing medical care. 2. Improve healthcare access by reducing missed appointments, increasing adherence to treatment plans, and enhancing the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. 3. Enhance health outcomes by facilitating access to preventive and routine care, thereby reducing the need for emergency medical interventions and improving long-term health conditions. Evidence-Based Model: The NEMT model utilized in this project is evidence-based, with a strong track record of improving healthcare access and outcomes. Research indicates that NEMT services reduce missed appointments, improve chronic disease management, and enhance overall health outcomes, particularly for rural, low-income, and underserved populations. Expected Outcomes: The expected outcomes of this project include: • Increased healthcare utilization and reduced missed medical appointments for target populations. Improved health outcomes through consistent access to routine care and chronic disease management. Enhanced patient satisfaction due to reduced transportation-related barriers. Strengthened community health infrastructure through a sustainable transportation network. Capacity to Serve Rural Underserved Populations: DCMH has a long history of serving rural and underserved populations in Decatur County. The hospital has experience working with local partners to address community health needs, including successful collaborations with local transportation providers and social service organizations. Our team has the organizational expertise, community relationships, and experience necessary to ensure the success of this project. Funding Preference: DCMH qualifies for Qualification 1: Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) funding preference because it is located in a designated HPSA. This designation reflects the area's critical shortage of healthcare professionals, making access to care more challenging for local residents.
