Columbia County Health System's Population Health Program Empowers Community Health

DAYTON — Columbia County Health System (CCHS) is taking significant strides to enhance the health and well-being of the local community through its innovative Population Health Program. This initiative aligns with the national Healthy People 2030 campaign, which aims to improve health outcomes, eliminate disparities, and create environments that promote health for all individuals.

Population Health is a national, comprehensive approach designed to improve the health of all individuals within a human population. The program focuses on three key components:

• Health Outcomes – Enhancing the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities.

• Patterns of Health Determinants – Recognizing trends and connections among factors such as environment, genetics, and access to healthcare that influence health outcomes.

• Policy and Intervention – Implementing strategies, regulations, and actions to promote and protect community health.

CCHS’s Population Health Team is dedicated to addressing social determinants of health, including financial and geographic barriers, which can impede access to necessary healthcare services. By moving care beyond clinics and hospitals and into homes, the team works tirelessly to overcome obstacles like transportation, insurance, and physical or mental health challenges that make accessing traditional healthcare difficult.

“Our goal is to bring care directly to those who need it most, ensuring improved health outcomes and quality of life,” said Dawn Meicher, ARNP, Population Health Provider Champion at CCHS. Some of the key offerings of the Population Health Program include:

• Enhanced communication and coordination between patients and healthcare providers.

• Education on diseases, conditions, treatments, medications, and more.

Assessments for resources from organizations, agencies, non-profits, medical equipment providers, insurance programs, and other support systems.

The dedicated professionals behind the Population Health Team at CCHS include:

• Nurse Practitioners (ARNP) – Leading the team and its programs.

• Community Health Workers (CHW) – Assisting with insurance, transportation, program access, health behavior guidance, and more.

• Registered Nurses (RN) – Offering in-home care, assessments, and care coordination, ensuring direct access to CCHS healthcare services.

• Physical Therapists – Conduct home assessments, fall recovery education, safety evaluations, and beginning therapy.

Patients can enroll in comprehensive programs or transition between them based on their needs and changing health conditions. The programs supported by Medicare, many Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicaid include:

• Population Health/CHW - Home or community visits to assist with healthcare access and quality of life improvements.

• Palliative Care - In-home care and coordination for symptom management and quality of life for those with heavy disease burdens.

• Diabetic Education - Coordination of care and monitoring to help diabetic patients improve self-care and control.

• Partners Improving Patient Health - Disease management for heart and lung conditions, including early intervention and referrals for rehabilitation.

• Chronic Care Management - Phone-based RN support for chronic health conditions, improving care coordination and offering a direct line to the management team.

For more information or to refer someone to these services, community members can contact Columbia County Health System at:

Columbia County Health System at 1012 S. 3rd St., Dayton, Wash. and at http://www.cchd-wa.org. The Population Health Administrative Assistant can be reached at (509) 382-3200 ext.5428.

The CCHD asks the public to join the effort to foster a healthier community, ensuring all residents have access to the care and resources they need to thrive. For further details or to get involved, reach out to CCHS and become part of this impactful initiative today.

Sean Russell is the Director of Communications for Columbia County Health System and Dayton General Hospital.