EAHCN: Exemplary Patient-Centered Health Care

http://www.plattsburgh.edu/offices/centers/cisp/eahcn/index.php

I found an organization called the Eastern Adirondack Health Care Network that focuses on patient-centered initiatives. EAHCN is a coalition of health care providers that span Essex, Franklin and Clinton Counties. This network strives to achieve many unique goals that include improving the financial viability of rural health care providers and enhancing partnerships with neighboring communities to share services in rural areas. One of the projects undertaken by this network includes a healthy youth development program that works within local communities to prevent substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, violence and school dropouts. Other projects include geriatric mental health and arthritis management.

The EAHCN exemplifies many aspects of the patient-centered medical home initiative. It focuses on better communication between the patient population and health-care providers. It revolves around getting patients more involved in the healthcare process. I would love to be a part of this network as a rural healthcare practitioner. I think it is important to reach out to the community and increase patient involvement.  I could see myself getting involved in some sort of health living initiative that would include outreach programs that that teach nutrition, fitness, mental wellness and other healthy lifestyle behaviors. This is my personal passion and I would love to launch an initiative in the local community that I live and work in.