Medtronic giving $250K to local health care organizations
Christ Community Health Services (CCHS) and the Church Health Center have received $250,000 in grants from the Medtronic Foundation.
The two-year Health Access grants will support both health care organizations in their continued commitment to improve health care access to underserved residents in the Mid-South, with an emphasis on chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. The organizations were nominated by Medtronic leadership for their work in addressing the health care needs of the local community.
“At Medtronic, our mission to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life begins here in our own community,” said Doug King, president of Medtronic Spinal. “As we contribute to human welfare through our technology and therapies, we are investing in localized health access initiatives that support and recognize community-based organizations such as Christ Community Health Services and the Church Health Center. A critical part of our mission is to maintain good corporate citizenship, and our grants are intended to enhance awareness and improve access to care through the exceptional work being done by these agencies.”
A recent government survey shows there are an estimated 142,000 uninsured residents in Shelby County, and the majority are at or below the federal poverty level.
The Medtronic Foundation grant to Christ Community Health Services will support an intervention that detects and treats high blood pressure by screening people in their homes rather than at medical clinics or hospitals.
The initiative is based on a successful 2012 pilot project where community health workers, under the supervision of physicians and a pharmacist, obtained blood pressure readings for adult residents living in Orange Mound. Those with elevated blood pressure received health education and the opportunity to have blood pressure medication delivered directly to their homes. This intervention dynamically lowered the average blood pressure of those served by 17 points.
“The grant we have just received will allow us to continue to provide medical care for those persons who have barriers to accessing affordable healthcare,” said Ed Roberson, CEO of Christ Community Health Services. “Home visits, financial assistance for medication and medical visits, and access to care management services to help manage their health conditions are all ways in which CCHS will continue to reach out to our neighbors in the community.”
Church Health Center will use its grant to support Wellness 4 Life, a program where medical providers refer patients to the Center’s health coaches, who help patients set goals for lifestyle changes and healthy behaviors. Patients then work with Center wellness facility staff to learn how to exercise, prepare healthier meals and take the next steps toward healthier living.
“Medtronic has committed to making Memphis a healthier community,” saidScott Morris, Church Health Center’s CEO. “We’re excited about partnering with them to help people at risk of heart disease work to change their behaviors and live a life free from preventable disease. Medtronic’s generosity will help thousands of hardworking people find hope for their future.”