Memorial Healthcare System Receives Grant From HRSA to Fund Chronic Disease Prevention Program and Patient Navigators

Monday, October 27 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


(Hollywood, Fla.) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently awarded Memorial Healthcare System a two-year grant of $598,334 to fund a patient navigator program that will increase access to acute, chronic and preventive healthcare for uninsured minorities. Out of more than 230 applicants, Memorial is one of only six recipients nationwide, and the only recipient in Florida.

Memorial Healthcare System will partner with Hispanic Unity of Florida, a community-based organization serving the local minority population to implement Promoting Access to Healthcare Services (PATHS). PATHS will utilize a diverse staff of Healthcare Navigators recruited from the local community to decrease health disparities relating to heart disease, diabetes and cancer, including colorectal, prostate, breast and cervical, for more than 2,200 uninsured persons.

Patient Navigators will manage the non-medical components of care for their clients and educate community members about prevention and early detection. This type of outreach is especially important among minority groups, many of whom are at risk for diabetes and other chronic diseases but may not be in treatment. Patient navigators will coordinate screenings and medical referrals; provide literature for clients coping with chronic disease and the side effects of treatment; identify resources related to health insurance, medication, home care and transportation; offer emotional support, and make referrals to support groups and classes and help clients overcome language and cultural barriers.

Memorial Healthcare System is the public, non-profit healthcare provider serving South Broward County. The healthcare system’s mission is to provide safe, quality, cost-effective, patient and family-centered care regardless of their ability to pay, with a goal of improving the health status of the community it serves. Among its facilities are Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital South, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Hospital Miramar, Memorial Hospital Pembroke and Memorial Manor Nursing Home.

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