In recognition of the program’s tangible impact on health outcomes in the Dan River Region, the Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health (REACH) Partnership has been named as a 2023 Health Quality Innovator of the Year. The Health Quality Innovator Awards is the annual awards program created by Health Quality Innovators (HQI) that recognizes and celebrates organizations that are using successful, evidence-based approaches to improve health care quality and outcomes. The REACH Partnership was selected as the winner in the Rural Health category.

A systems approach to improve community health, the REACH Partnership addresses systemic barriers to physical and mental health services for at-risk populations. REACH brings disparate and siloed health providers together to reduce avoidable emergency department and hospital use and to address chronic disease and health factors. Coordinated care teams, which include cross-agency Community Health Workers, Care Coordinators and Community Paramedics, work together to advance health equity.

“We’re incredibly proud that the REACH Partnership has been recognized as a Health Quality Innovator of the Year. Collaboration among the organizations involved is what drives the success and impact of the REACH Partnership, and we are excited to continue advancing positive health outcomes in the Dan River Region.” – Dr. Cassandra Shelton-Bowman, REACH Program Manager

There are approximately 20 community health workers and community paramedics in strategic locations across the service area focused on increasing clients’ access to services and improving their health management through education, informal counseling, social support, outreach and advocacy. From 2021 through 2023, the REACH Partnership has:

• Made 3,592 connections to resources for 350+ clients
• Maintained an active minimum client load of 250 clients
• Reduced emergency room visits for 45% of clients, connected 53% of clients to primary care, and connected 63% of clients to food and housing resources

“The Community Health Workers, Community Paramedics, and Care Coordinators that make up the REACH Partnership are some of the most caring and dedicated professionals in our community. Not only are they changing the lives of the individuals they serve, but together, their collective impact is moving the needle on our region’s population health outcomes. This honor and recognition is so well-deserved.” – Maggie Richardson, Regional Coordinator, the Health Collaborative