Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program - This application for the Regular Track of the HRSA Rural Health Care Service Outreach Program will fund health screenings, chronic disease management education, and tailored interventions using a Mobile Health Center (MHC). The MHC initiative supported by a consortium of local partners, seeks to address rural healthcare access disparities and chronic disease burdens for 48,742 rural residents in HRSA designated rural census tracts in Wood County, Ohio. The primary groups served by this initiative include rural residents, particularly low-income individuals, older adults, and populations with high rates of chronic diseases. Special emphasis will be placed on reaching those in high social vulnerability index scores who face socioeconomic barriers and lack reliable transportation to traditional healthcare facilities. The project’s primary goals: Expand access to comprehensive healthcare services in rural communities. Build a sustainable network or community partnerships Reduce the burden of chronic diseases Ensure long-term accessibility to healthcare services Measure impact of chronic disease outcomes Institutionalize successful practices Utilizing evidence-based models such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), Community Health Workers (CHWs), and Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH), the project will empower residents to take control of their health, improve self-management of chronic conditions, and reduce preventable hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The project’s expected outcomes: A 20% year-over-year increase in healthcare access. A 15% reduction in diabetes-related ER visits and hospitalizations. Enhanced disease prevention behaviors and patient confidence in self-management. Improved chronic disease outcomes, with a 10% reduction in hospitalizations and a 15% improvement in health outcomes for 1,000 patients. Strengthened community partnerships, increasing collaboration by 25%. The Wood County Health Department has extensive experience in serving rural residents through their Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that was established in 2013. Through a strategic consortium of with community organizations and stakeholders, the project will foster a collaborative network that ensures sustained impact and long-term accessibility in Wood County, Ohio. Funding Preference – This application qualifies for HPSA funding preference.
