Objective:

Zeihan Prohealth partnered with Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry to address healthcare disparities in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, Kansas. The primary objective was to improve access to healthcare services for underserved and underrepresented populations. This involved not only raising awareness of Mercy & Truth's services but also directly engaging the community through health screenings, vaccine education, and building partnerships with local stakeholders. These efforts aimed to establish a continuous care model by linking community members to a primary care medical home.

Solution:

1. Community Outreach and Engagement:

• Health Fairs and Local Events: Zeihan Prohealth organized and participated in multiple health fairs and community events in both Wyandotte and Johnson Counties. These events served as platforms to directly engage with residents, educate them about available healthcare services, and provide on-the-spot health screenings.
• Targeted Outreach: Focused efforts were made to reach populations that traditionally face barriers to healthcare, including those experiencing homelessness, undocumented immigrants, and low-income families. Outreach was conducted through partnerships with local shelters, community centers, churches, and food pantries.

2. Health Screenings and Referrals:

• Comprehensive Health Screenings: Free health screenings were offered at community events, including blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, and BMI assessments. These screenings were vital in identifying individuals at risk for chronic diseases who were unaware of their health status.
• Referral System: Individuals identified as needing further medical attention were referred to Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry for follow-up care. This ensured that they could establish a relationship with a primary care provider, receive appropriate treatment, and have their health needs continuously managed.

3. Vaccine Hesitancy Education:

• Educational Campaigns: Recognizing the impact of vaccine hesitancy, particularly among underserved communities, Zeihan Prohealth implemented targeted educational campaigns. These campaigns provided culturally competent information on the importance of vaccines, debunked common myths, and addressed specific concerns related to vaccines.
• Community Dialogues: Interactive sessions were held with community members, allowing them to ask questions and express their concerns about vaccines. These sessions were facilitated by healthcare professionals who provided evidence-based answers and reassurances.

4. Partnership Development and Closed-Loop Referral System:

• Building Partnerships: Zeihan Prohealth worked to establish strong partnerships with local stakeholders, including state and county health departments, non-profit organizations, and community groups. These partnerships were crucial in creating a network of support for residents and ensuring that healthcare services were accessible and coordinated.
• Closed-Loop Referral System: A closed-loop referral system was developed in collaboration with community partners to track patient referrals and ensure that individuals received the care they needed. This system facilitated communication between Mercy & Truth and other local healthcare providers, enhancing care continuity.

5. Awareness Campaign:

• Community Presence: A concerted effort was made to increase the visibility of Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry within the community. This included distributing informational materials, leveraging social media, and utilizing local media outlets to spread the word about the services available.
• Community Engagement: Zeihan Prohealth also engaged with community leaders and influencers to advocate for the importance of having a primary care medical home, encouraging residents to seek out and utilize the services provided by Mercy & Truth.

Outcome:

1. Increased Awareness and Access:

• The outreach efforts significantly increased community awareness of Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry’s services, resulting in a higher number of residents seeking healthcare from their clinics.
• Over the course of the initiative, hundreds of individuals were linked to a primary care medical home, establishing long-term relationships with healthcare providers who could address their ongoing health needs.

2. Successful Health Screenings and Referrals:

• The health screenings conducted during community events identified numerous cases of undiagnosed conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. These individuals were successfully referred to Mercy & Truth for follow-up care.
• The closed-loop referral system ensured that nearly all individuals who were referred to Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry attended their appointments and received the necessary medical care.

3. Effective Vaccine Education:

• The vaccine hesitancy education campaign led to a noticeable increase in vaccine uptake among hesitant populations. Surveys conducted post-campaign indicated a significant shift in attitudes toward vaccines, with many community members expressing greater confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
• The interactive sessions helped dispel myths and misinformation, fostering a more informed and health-conscious community.

4. Strengthened Partnerships:

• The partnerships established through this initiative not only facilitated the referral system but also laid the foundation for future collaborative projects aimed at addressing other pressing health issues in the community.
• These partnerships also enabled Mercy & Truth to expand their reach, providing services to a broader segment of the population.

Impact:

1. Long-Term Health Improvements:

• By linking individuals to a primary care medical home, the initiative contributed to improved health outcomes for residents in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties. Regular access to healthcare services has been shown to lead to better management of chronic conditions, reduced emergency room visits, and overall improved quality of life.
• The initiative also set a precedent for how community outreach, health education, and strategic partnerships can be leveraged to address health disparities and promote health equity.

2. Enhanced Community Trust and Engagement:

• The initiative fostered a sense of trust between the community and healthcare providers. Residents felt more connected to Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry, viewing them as a reliable and accessible source of healthcare.
• The collaborative approach taken in this initiative demonstrated the power of community engagement and the importance of involving community members in the planning and implementation of health interventions.

3. Model for Future Initiatives:

• The success of this project serves as a model for future health initiatives aimed at underserved communities. The combination of outreach, education, and partnership building proved effective in addressing healthcare access issues and can be replicated in other regions with similar needs.

4. Sustainable Healthcare Solutions:

• The partnerships and systems established through this project have created a sustainable framework for ongoing healthcare delivery in the community. This ensures that even after the conclusion of the initiative, residents will continue to have access to the care they need through Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry.