Recipients of the Community Health Improvement Fund

Date November 06, 2006

     Each year the Magic Valley Regional Medical Center Board of Directors allocates a fund specifically for Community Health Improvement initiatives in the region. In fiscal year 2007 $200,000 was designated for this purpose. A total of $90,693 was allocated to the following organizations during the first round of selections.

• Crisis Center of Magic Valley, Inc. – Funds will be used for counseling, medical and other supportive services.

• Harmony PSR Services, Inc. – Funds will be used for lunch for clients who cannot afford to pay.

• RSVP Senior Assisted Services – Funds will be used for mileage reimbursement for Senior Adult Volunteers providing transportation to medical, dental and therapy appointments, grocery shopping, etc.

• United Way of South Central Idaho – Funds will be used for purchase of vaccine for childhood immunizations in collaboration with South Central District Health.

• CSI Over 60 and Getting Fit – Funds will be used for the purchase of a new hardware/software package that will provide a centralized assessment database and tools to develop successful weight management programs.

• CARES (Children At Risk Evaluation Services) – Funds will offset the deficit of the program, thus continuing the mission of providing services throughout the eight-county area.

• Twin Falls County: Youth Meth Court – Funds will be used for the enhancement of the program with the implementation of the best practice “Strengthening Families” intervention program to add a family component.

     A second round of applications will be accepted in February 2007, to be funded with the remaining $89,307. Recipients of the Community Health Improvement Fund were required to meet specific criteria and to address identified community health priorities in order to be selected for funding. Community Health Improvement funds may be awarded for proposals from eligible organizations that address one or more of the following five community health priorities: Access to Care, Injury and Violence, Overweight and Obesity, Mental Health, and Physical Activity.

     The MVRMC Board of Directors established these priorities utilizing community health assessments. Applicants must address one or more of these priorities and are expected to demonstrate collaboration and coordination with other community organizations, including MVRMC. They must also include a mechanism with which to measure health improvements. Preference will be given to projects that support multiple communities in the South Central Idaho and Northern Nevada. For more information about the Fund or the February 2007 application process, please call Jody Tremblay at 208-737-2943 or write to: St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, Attn: Jody Tremblay, Director of Community Relations, P.O. Box 409, Twin Falls, ID 83303.

(News Editors: For more information call Jody Tremblay, Director of Community Relations at 737-2943.)