FLORIDA OFFICE OF RURAL HEALTH EMS PROJECTS JANUARY 2016

MISSION Actively foster the provision of health care services in rural areas and serve as a catalyst for improved health services to citizens in rural areas of the state. Section , Florida Statutes

State Office of Rural Health (SORH) Purpose: Clearinghouse for information on rural health care issues Research findings relating to rural health care and innovative approaches to the delivery of rural health care Coordinate rural health care activities to avoid duplication Provide technical assistance to public and nonprofit private entities Encourage the recruitment and retention of health professionals in rural areas Strengthen State, Local and Federal partnerships in rural health

SORH Programs & Grants State Office of Rural Health ($172,950 federal grant) Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) ($171,000 federal grant) Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (FLEX) ($460,000 federal grant) to support Critical Access Hospitals Rural Health Networks ($500,000 state appropriation) Local Health Councils ($1,000,000 state appropriation)

Florida’s Rural Health System Challenges Access to primary care, specialty care, oral & behavioral health services High proportion of uninsured/ under- insured in rural areas Maldistribution of health providers Retention of rural EMS personnel

RURAL TRENDS  Rural population growth will continue through 2030, but at a slower rate  Rural areas will continue to have higher poverty rates, lower incomes, fewer jobs, and fewer health insurance options compared to urban areas  Physical and financial barriers will continue to impact access to health services

Examples of SORH Activities Rural Health Network support – State appropriation and small Flex grant funds Community health assessment grants to rural CHDs to identify local health needs and priorities Support for rural EMS (scholarships, training) Administer Florida’s rural and underserved recruitment & retention activities (3RNet) Support for the Florida Rural Health Association Memberships in state and national organizations (NRHA, NOSORH, FAREMS, FRHA, 3RNet)

New Direction for Flex Quality Improvement Financial and Operational Improvement Population Health Management and Emergency Medical Services Integration

Flex- Population Health Management and EMS Integration Annual statewide population health management needs assessment Compile assessments and evaluate coordination with County Health Departments Improve EMS Capacity and Operational Projects

Previous Examples of Projects Community Health Worker home visitors Health Information Exchange connectivity ED/ EMS staff training Dental treatment

Proposed New Option for Community Paramedicine Projects Total of $60,000 6 Rural Health Networks eligible (Big Bend, Heartland, Lake Okeechobee, Monroe County, North Central Florida, Panhandle Area Can we fund Community Paramedicine projects? - DISCUSSION

Florida Office of Rural Health Contacts Craig Wilson, Director (850) Randy Calvert, FLEX Program Coordinator (850) x 2039 Dennis Halfhill, Government Analyst (850) x 2682