Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program - The One Community in Health Program, led by the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing (MRJCON) at Montana State University in collaboration with key consortium partners, seeks to improve healthcare access and reduce health disparities in rural, tribal communities in Montana through application to HRSA 25-038—Regular Track. The project focuses on expanding primary care, behavioral health, and preventive services for Indigenous youth (ages 0-19) enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start, and K-12 public schools in HRSA-designated health professional shortage areas (HPSA) and HRSA-designated rural service counties within the Blackfeet and Northern Cheyenne Nations. These communities face significant health disparities due to a combination of social determinants of health such as geographic isolation, poverty, and historical mistrust of healthcare systems. These challenges will be addressed through culturally responsive care, expanded preventive services, and enhanced mental health support through school-based health centers (SBHCs). Key objectives include: 1.Integrating the Blackfeet SBHC with early childhood services to improve healthcare access for preschool-aged children (ages 0-5). 2.Expanding SBHC services at both Blackfeet and Northern Cheyenne by extending clinic hours and introducing mobile and telehealth capabilities to improve access to primary care, behavioral health, and dental services. 3.Strengthening community partnerships with tribal health departments, social service providers, and community advisory boards to increase service utilization, care coordination, and promote a culture of wellness. 4.Implementing an evaluation and sustainability plan to assess impact, improve community health outcomes, and support the replication of the project’s model in other rural tribal communities. The project will be guided by three evidence-informed models, including: 1) The CDC’s Rural Public Health Strategic Plan; 2) The CDC’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model; and 3) The CareQuest Institute’s Framework for Integrated Health. Expected Outcomes: Increased access to healthcare services, particularly in primary care, behavioral health, and dental services, for Indigenous youth in Blackfeet and Northern Cheyenne communities. Improved health outcomes, including higher immunization rates, early detection of health issues, and reduced school absenteeism. Enhanced mental health support and expanded behavioral health and dental services through mobile, telehealth platforms, and extended clinic hours. Strengthened community trust and collaboration between healthcare providers and community partners, leading to increased utilization of services and a culture of wellness. With a focus on primary care, wellness, and prevention, the program will address the health needs of medically underserved Indigenous populations in HPSAs, promoting long-term health improvements and sustainability. MRJCON has a long history of working with rural and underserved populations, particularly within Indigenous communities across Montana, from the Mobile Health Training Program to helping to establish the Northern Cheyenne SBHC. The proposed rural outreach project qualifies for three funding preferences by meeting the criteria for being in HRSA-designated HPSAs, serving medically underserved Indigenous populations, and focusing on primary care, wellness, and prevention (see Attachment 11).
