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UPPER MIDLANDS RURAL HEALTH NETWORK

UPPER MIDLANDS RURAL HEALTH NETWORK. The Challenges of Starting A Rural Health Network. Network Mission Statement . The Network’s mission is to improve health in the Upper Midlands region through collaboration of a diverse group focused on access to care, health promotion and education.

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UPPER MIDLANDS RURAL HEALTH NETWORK

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  1. UPPER MIDLANDS RURAL HEALTH NETWORK The Challenges of Starting A Rural Health Network

  2. Network Mission Statement The Network’s mission is to improve health in the Upper Midlands region through collaboration of a diverse group focused on access to care, health promotion and education.

  3. Network Goals • To strengthen the Network and its effectiveness in improving the system of care in the Network region. • To strengthen health services and retain patients in the Network region. • To improve health status, disease management and appropriate use of services for Network residents who are diabetic or at risk for developing diabetes.

  4. Areas of Service • Chester County • Fairfield County

  5. Chester County CountySC • Population 34,906 4,198,068 • Persons 65 years + 12.7% 12.1% • Median Hsehld Income $43,425 $37,082 • Per Capita Money Inc $14,709 $18,795 • Persons Below Poverty 15.6% 13.8%

  6. Chester County CountySC • Land Area/sq mi 581 30,109 • Persons/sq mi 58.7 133.2 • Housing Units 14,635 1,825,531 • Median Value $62,800 $94,900

  7. Fairfield County CountySC • Population 24,142 4,198,068 • Persons 65 years + 13.2 % 2.1% • Median Hsehld Income $32,425 $37,082 • Per Capita Money Inc $14,911 $18,795 • Persons Below Poverty 15.9 % 13.8%

  8. Fairfield County CountySC Land Area/sq mi 687 30,109 Persons/sq mi 34.2 133.2 Housing Units 10,562 1,825,531 Median Value $69,900 $94,900

  9. Chester & Fairfield Counties • Chester Fairfield SC • Land Area/sq mi 581 687 30,109 • Persons/sq mi 58.7 34.2 133.2 • Housing Units 14,645 10,562 1,825,531 • Median Value $62,800 $69,900 $94,900

  10. Chester & Fairfield Counties • Chester Fairfield SC • Population 33.564 24,142 4,198,068 • Persons 65 years + 12.7 % 13.2 % 12.1% • Median Income $43,425 $32,425 $37,082 • Per Capita Money Inc $14,709 $14,911 $18,795 • Persons Below Poverty 15.6% 15.9% 13.8%

  11. The Beginning • March 2004 • A concerned USC School of Medicine staff person responded to an RFP from the SC Office of Rural Health to establish new networks • Funds were received • He was subsequently hired as interim Coordinator • Initial name: Fairfield/Chester Rural Health Network

  12. The Beginning • Organizational heads were invited to join the Network • Held monthly meetings • Held first retreat –June 2004 • Conducted a small number of community surveys during the summer

  13. The Beginning • Permanent Director Hired—early February 2005 • Research— • Rural Health Research on the Web • SC ORH Annual Report • National Rural Health Association (NRHA) • Reviewed strategic plans and goals from the first retreat

  14. SC Office Of Rural Health • Made immediate contact with the SC Office of Rural Health through our hospital administrator • Visited the two other Networks • Received additional mini-grant funds from the SC Office of Rural Health

  15. SC Office of Rural Health • Funds enabled the Network to: • Help pay a part-time Director’s Salary • Buy office supplies • Received FLEX Grants to: • Plan Retreats and hire a Facilitator • Community Outreach • Marketing

  16. SC Office of Rural Health • Maintaining the Partnership • Constant contact as needed—people in the office are always available and helpful • Quarterly Director’s Meetings • Affiliate member of the Network Board • Support, Support, Support!

  17. Successes • HRSA Planning Grant • HRSA Outreach Grant • Chester Health Care Foundation Grant • Other grant applications pending

  18. Challenges • Adequate and sustained funding • Looking for a revenue-producing project • Non-profit and for-profit hospitals

  19. Projects • BSN Middle School Nurse in each County • HealthMaster Health OfficeSoftware • Community Health series • Summer Programs • Exploring Healthy Lifestyles Classes-Middle Schools • Nurses’ Training Classes • CATCH—Coordinated Approach to Child Health • Eat Smart Move More Community Education

  20. Useful Resources • Constantly Searching the Web • Rural Assistance Center (Raconline.org) • Grants.gov • Individual Foundation Sites • Networking with others Finding a revenue-producing project that will sustain the Network

  21. Useful Resources • Partnerships • Community • Hospitals • Other Agencies • Faith-based organizations • Networking at meetings • Being involved as an individual in community activities • Local and National Foundations

  22. Location Upper Midlands Rural Health Network Post Office Box 620 Winnsboro, SC 29180 803-712-0375 803-712-1683—Fax Beverlyann.Austin@Fairfieldmemorial.com Beverlyann V. Austin, Director

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