Contact:
Roy Garland
Rgarland1@mhcah.org
207-391-6513
SACO, ME — MaineHealth Care at Home is pleased to receive an award through Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Rural Health Outreach and Rural Network Development Program of $792,084, over a four-year project term, to advance care for patients with chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease.
The project will focus on developing an evidenced-based model of care that integrates navigator services, palliative care, and telehealth for patients diagnosed with chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease who reside in the rural Knox and Waldo Counties of Maine. Project goals aim to improve quality of life, and to mitigate the risk factors associated with re-hospitalizations and utilization of emergency services. The project will establish the efficacy of a COPD Nurse Navigator Program in facilitating seamless transitions of care across health settings, expand access to innovate telehealth technology, and improve access to palliative care. Termed Project COPD Connect, goals will be achieved through a consortium consisting of MaineHealth Care at Home, Coastal Healthcare Alliance, and the Central Maine Area Agency on Aging. Team members will work closely with palliative care nurse practitioners and practice managers from Pen Bay Medical Center/Medical Partners and Waldo County General Hospital/Medical Partners to develop and implement project strategies and interventions.
“HRSA is dedicated to supporting community-focused approaches to improve health care in rural and underserved areas,” said Acting HRSA Administrator Diana Espinosa. “Through strong partnerships with local organizations, the Outreach Program will improve the health of the nation’s underserved and vulnerable populations and expand access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services.”
Project implementation will begin in May.
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About MaineHealth Care at Home
Headquartered in Saco, Maine, MaineHealth Care at Home offers a full range of skilled home health services to children and adults, including nursing care, nutritional counseling, emotional support, palliative care, rehabilitative therapies, hospice, and telehealth services. The agency also offers a full range of community health and wellness programs throughout its service area, which includes York, Cumberland, Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Sagadahoc and Oxford Counties. Hospice services are provided throughout Knox, Waldo and Lincoln counties with short-term hospice care and respite services at the Sussman House, a hospice facility located in Rockport, Maine.