In the U.S., 18% of the population—nearly 50 million Americans—lives
in poverty, up from 11% in 2000. More than 250 communities across 50 states use
aha! Process concepts to combat poverty at the individual, community and institutional levels.
aha! Process’s annual
Addressing the Challenges of Poverty conference brings together local and national groups to explore best practices
to alleviate poverty. Attendees at this year’s conference will network
and share ideas with the goal of creating healthier, stronger communities,
colleges and schools. Jane Russell, Director of Continuum of Care, will
present Good Samaritan’s efforts towards Patient-Centered Care at
this conference on October 6 in Cincinnati. “This is a great opportunity
to showcase our efforts to other organizations,” stated Russell.
“We have worked hard to reach out to our patients in need and advocate
for them on their behalf.”
Good Samaritan transformed its Primary Care Clinic, to a patient-centered
medical home (PCMH). PCMH patients work with a nurse navigator, social
worker and nurse practitioner to attain their health care goals. The nurse
practitioner is the primary care provider. Nurse navigators advocate for
and assist their patients in maneuvering the health care system. The social
worker assists with benefits, resources and social needs (food, housing,
employment). This team approach ensures that the patient receives the
right care at the right time.
Dr. Ruby K. Payne, president of aha! Process, said, “This event will
showcase some of the exciting work being done by our partner communities
so that everyone working on the front lines of poverty can benefit.”
aha! Process works across all sectors of a community to address the root
causes of poverty, support individuals as they build resources, and achieve
a sustainable community where everyone can live well. For more than 15 years,
Bridges Out of Poverty concepts have helped communities and organizations around the world better
understand poverty and eliminate barriers for thousands of under-resourced
individuals.
Sponsors of this year’s
Addressing the Challenges of Poverty conference include
CharityTracker,
MPOWR,
Mercy Health, and Beacon Voice.
Follow the conference on Twitter by using #AddressPoverty.