Healthy Communities Initiative
Healthy Communities Initiative is working to make a difference in the health of Bartholomew County through the work of eight action teams. This is a community collaboration involving Columbus Regional Hospital, local school corporations, city and county governments, churches, and others working together to address identified health needs. Healthy Communities works in three major goal areas: access for all, healthy lifestyles and healthy relationships.
Proceeds from and donations made to the Mill Race Race will assist the eight action teams in meeting their 2010-2011 goals.
The eight Healthy Communities Initiative Action Teams are:
Medication Assistance Program
The Bartholomew County Medication Assistance program is housed at Aging and Community Services in the United Way Center. This program provides immediate assistance for prescription medications to eligible Bartholomew County residents and can help people apply for the indigent drug programs offered by most major pharmaceutical companies. Their goal is to improve the health and quality of life of individuals with illnesses by providing better access to prescription drugs.
Caring Parents
Caring Parents is a home visiting program offering Bartholomew County’s new parents to provide them with the latest news on infant care and safety, education on the stages of child development, and emotional support during the first year of their baby’s life. All free of charge.
Proyecto Salud
Proyecto Salud is a project designed to address the health needs of our community’s Spanish-speaking population. Their goal is to create a safe environment that includes removing language and cultural barriers so that every Bartholomew County resident is known and cared for by a primary healthcare provider, has access to health education and self-care, and is assisted to integrate into the health community.
Healthy Lifestyles Action Team
Healthy Lifestyles addresses how indiiviuals can take better care of themselves. The goal is to increase the appropriate utilization of professional health care services through self-care education and support. This team coordinates the annual Bartholomew County on the Move Challenge, hosts national healthcare speakers for public events and is active in providing educational opportunities or support for schools, corporations and organizations.
Tobacco Awareness
This team works to reduce the use of tobacco products in Bartholomew County. Working with the school corporation, local businesses and all levels of government, the team offers smoking education, cessation classes, and advocates for healthier public environments.
Domestic Violence Action Team
The work of this action team is to create a comprehensive system of domestic violence prevention, response, and support that will reach across legal, medical, social, law enforcement and human service organizations.
Volunteers in Medicine
Volunteers in Medicine is a free healthcare clinic for Bartholomew County residents who meet income guidelines and have no health insurance. There are approximately 6,000 to 8,000 residents who qualify for the clinic's services each year. Based on a national model, the clinic strives to remove barriers so that every Bartholomew County resident is known and cared for by a primary healthcare provider, working together to increase the use of self care.
Breastfeeding Coalition
The mission of the breastfeeding coalition is to improve public health by promoting and supporting breastfeeding through education, outreach and collaboration.
To find out more about the objectives and goals of each action team, click here.
Make a donation to Healthy Communities Initiative, click here.
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