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9/ accessHealthnews.net Spring 2013 Collective Impact HCC works to improve rural health care Cont'd from page 8 improved health care outcomes they can be effectively treated. This foundational research can for the entire region." have a huge impact on care all across the country—and it Diabetes and Depression Additionally, grant funds have started right here in Lafayette helped HCC and its network County, courtesy of HCC and its partners create evidence-based partners." programs like the Telehealth Outreach Diabetes and Obesity Prevention Depression (TODD) program. HCC is also partnering with Area residents with diabetes, University of Missouri Extension, depression or both are invited area schools and businesses to to participate in the program combat obesity. Through a and receive treatment, Social Innovation for Missouri screenings, resources and (SIM) grant, currently in its education to improve health third year of funding, this outcomes. Participants pay no collaboration extends all the way to Lafayette County out-of-pocket costs. farmers' markets where EBT "The HCC is looking at health machines are used to help low families purchase care in a way that reflects the income future, causation and healthy fruits and vegetables, to prevention," said Darrel Box, food pantries in Lexington and CEO at Lafayette Regional Odessa. The pantries recently Health Center. "The TODD received cold storage units to program links co-occurring provide more fresh fruits and diseases like diabetes and vegetables to needy families. depression and observes how Additionally, programs like Active & Healthy they correlate and how Schools address obesity in Lafayette County elementary and middle schools by encouraging students to move more in and outside of the classroom. Students are exposed to healthy food choices and snack alternatives. Workplace wellness programs have reached area businesses and migrant farm workers to promote healthier lifestyles. With SIM funds, Connectivity Master Plans laid the framework for miles of sidewalk in both Lexington and Higginsville to create connectivity routes and safe walking areas to encourage physical activity. "Thanks to the SIM grant, we have made great strides in promoting a more active and healthy lifestyle for our citizens," said Donna Brown, economic development director for the City of Higginsville. "With the development of a Connectivity Master Plan, we have created safer connectivity Become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Make a difference in sexual assaults through forensics, collaboration and education. For more information, call 816.221.2187. COVERSA.org routes to stores, churches and other community venues. This has also enabled our students a safer walking route to school." These are just a few programs that have been implemented over the last seven years. But if you ask Richard how a twoperson organization morphed into a burgeoning health care network in less than 10 years, she'll recite a quote from Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." "I believe that," Richard said. "And our network partners believe that, too. Together, we look at unmet needs in the community and collectively come up with strategies and action plans to address these needs. We like to call this collective impact." Learn more at HCCNetwork.org.

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