Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program - Established in 1976, Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. (Valley-Wide), a 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), provides comprehensive primary care, dental, and behavioral health services to 14 rural counties in southern and southeastern Colorado. Recognizing the significant health disparities faced by these rural communities, Valley-Wide proposes to leverage HRSA-25-038 funding to expand access to high-quality, patient-centered care. This project will focus on enhancing social determinants of health (SDOH) screening, improving patient engagement, and strengthening suicide prevention efforts within designated Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) and Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in the region. Key project components include: • Strengthening SDOH Screening and Intervention: Implementing the evidence-based model PRAPARE to identify and address social needs, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation barriers. • Enhancing Patient Engagement: Utilizing technology to improve patient communication and access to care, including increased access to video interpretation services, streamlined electronic paperwork, and improved patient education resources. • Strengthening Suicide Prevention Efforts: Implementing targeted interventions such as COMET and CALM to reduce suicide risk, including staff training, community outreach, and increased access to mental health support services. Valley-Wide possesses a strong track record of success in addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities. Notably, Valley-Wide previously received a CMS Innovation Award for the TIPPING POINT project, which demonstrated our ability to improve access to care and health outcomes for high-risk populations. Additionally, Valley-Wide was awarded a SAMHSA CCBHC Expansion Grant, further solidifying our expertise in providing high-quality mental health and substance use disorder services. This project will leverage Valley-Wide's existing infrastructure and expertise to improve health outcomes for underserved populations in rural Colorado and contribute to the broader goals of the HRSA-25-038 funding opportunity.
