Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - non-construction - since 1975, valley health has been committed to providing west virginia communities with high quality, comprehensive…

Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - non-construction - since 1975, valley health has been committed to providing west virginia communities with high quality, comprehensive health care with an emphasis on serving those who are in vulnerable and underserved populations. As a system of community health centers, valley health has been addressing barriers to care for years- including the assessment of financial and social factors that can contribute to the health outcomes of our patients. As unfavorable findings from these assessments continue to surface, and in conjunction with the recent statistics highlighting health disparities nationwide, valley health desires to strengthen its response beyond that which we are able to provide. The development of the echo program can have a positive impact on not just our patients, but also all west virginians, by addressing the healthcare needs of the state through strategic partnerships and work across multiple sectors and communities. The best way to advance the health status of west virginians is to systematically address the healthcare needs through collaboration with trusted messengers and community resources, outreach to affected populations, education to the public at large, and then connecting individuals to healthcare delivery for the elimination of health disparities. Since this work is not achieved through revenue-generating activities, federal appropriations are critical. Valley health requests an appropriation of $1,000,000 to fund this initiative. Health inequity is a complex problem that often requires thoughtful planning and work that integrates research, community engagement, training, and policy work to better serve those who are disadvantaged. Valley health will provide an in-kind donation of time and talent in both administrative and clinical services that could be expressed monetarily at approximately $390,000. Upon the funding of this project, the echo program could be operational in a matter of weeks, with all funding applied directly to COS t of the outreach staff members who will be embedded in existing community health centers, providing public facing education and outreach within the communities.