Community Healthcare Center has secured funding from the Episcopal Health Foundation to broaden its approach to patient care. The grant is designed to address non-medical factors that impact well-being, moving beyond traditional clinical treatments to include social determinants of health.
According to the center, medical care represents only a fraction of overall health outcomes. Factors such as housing stability, food access, utility reliability, employment, education, and neighborhood conditions play a significant role in long-term health. The new initiative aims to mitigate these barriers by strengthening care coordination and resource navigation for patients.
Planned services under this expansion include facilitating referrals for food assistance, utility payment programs, and housing support. The center also intends to connect patients with employment services and legal assistance. By linking individuals with local support systems, the program seeks to provide greater continuity of care outside of the clinical setting.
Community Healthcare Center is currently in the early phases of implementation, focusing on hiring necessary staff and establishing partnerships with local organizations. Mike Dotson, the center’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that the funding will be used to develop the staffing and collaborative networks required to connect patients with essential services.
He noted that the grant will enhance the center's ability to guide patients through complex systems and support their overall well-being.
