Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program - The proposed project aims to enhance healthcare access, strengthen strategic partnerships, and reduce health disparities in rural communities by implementing care coordination services, preventative education initiatives, and screening program. Target Population The proposed program will serve low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals in rural Nevada, with a focus on Elko County. The primary target populations include agricultural workers, Native American communities, and isolated elderly individuals who face significant barriers to healthcare access. These groups are disproportionately affected by socioeconomic challenges, geographic isolation, and a lack of healthcare infrastructure. With a population of approximately 97,257, Elko County has a poverty rate of 11.4% and high unemployment in the wake of workforce reductions from major employers like Nevada Gold Mines. Due to the vast distances between rural communities and healthcare facilities, residents often experience delays in receiving medical attention, exacerbating health disparities. Evidence-Informed Models The project is informed by evidence-based models designed to enhance care coordination, improve chronic disease management, and expand healthcare accessibility in rural settings. The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model will ensure that individuals receive continuous and coordinated care tailored to their needs, reducing hospitalizations and improving treatment adherence. Additionally, the Rural Care Coordination Toolkit will provide best practices for linking primary care providers with specialists and social services. The Outreach and Enrollment Agent Model will further address barriers to care by integrating community health workers (CHWs) to provide education, healthcare navigation, and enrollment assistance in critical health programs. Expected Outcomes The program aims to improve healthcare access, strengthen strategic partnerships, and reduce health disparities in rural Nevada. It will establish five core care coordination services, including chronic disease management, telemedicine integration, medication adherence support, specialist referrals, and social support services. Expected outcomes include a reduction in hospitalizations, improved medication compliance, and increased preventative care utilization. Additionally, the project will deliver 10 community-based health education initiatives and conduct 500 preventative screenings for chronic diseases, ensuring early detection and intervention for high-risk populations. Capacity to Serve Rural Areas Nevada Health Centers (NVHC) has demonstrated the capacity to expand healthcare services and build effective partnerships in rural communities. With an extensive service network covering over 27,000 square miles, NVHC has successfully integrated mobile health units, expanded case management services, and launched new clinics to enhance primary care access. Recent expansions include the Willow Street Clinic in Washoe County and the addition of specialized cardiology services, strengthening NVHC’s ability to deliver patient-centered care. The organization has also incorporated behavioral health into primary care settings, ensuring comprehensive, whole-person care for rural residents. Consortium Approach for Rural Healthcare Delivery To maximize the program’s reach and impact, NVHC will leverage a consortium model, collaborating with local hospitals, community health centers, and faith-based organizations to provide integrated healthcare services. This multi-sector approach will facilitate resource sharing, referral coordination, and streamlined healthcare delivery across Elko, Lander, Storey, and Nye counties. By strengthening regional partnerships, expanding telemedicine services, and deploying mobile health units, the program will overcome barriers related to geographic isolation, provider shortages, and economic hardship, ultimately improving health outcomes for Nevada’s rural populations.
