An Historical Overview of the HCC of Rural Missouri
The need for a rural health network in Lafayette County was jointly assessed by the Health Care Collaborative of Rural Missouri, Lafayette County Health Department, Lafayette Regional Health Center, Rodgers-Lafayette Health and Dental Center (FQHC), Care Connection for Aging Services, Pathways Behavioral Health Center, and the Lexington 4Life Center. As a result of that assessment in 2006, these seven organizations agreed to coordinate resources and ultimately develop and maintain an integrated health network for Lafayette County.
These seven organizations jointly agreed to:
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Form a rural health network to be known as the Health Care Coalition Network of Lafayette County (now the Health Care Collaborative of Rural Missouri)
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Assess, plan, coordinate and implement or oversee the expansion and delivery of a system of primary care, dental care, behavioral health, health and wellness prevention programs and school-based health programs.
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Monitor and make recommendations regarding the availability and delivery of all primary health, dental health and mental health services throughout the county, with a specific focus on ensuring access to services.
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Explore the potential for establishing a health insurance plan for area employers.
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Develop a comprehensive Health Information Technology Plan encompassing the needs of all health providers throughout the county and surrounding areas.
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Continue to provide and expand programs that lead to the establishment of healthy habits to combat chronic disease.
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Develop a “healthy lifestyles” incentive package of products to market to employers and insurance companies to reduce employee health care costs.
HCC 2011
As a result of this agreement, the Network established committees to address Healthy Lifestyles, Health Information Technology and Social Services. Today, these committees are in full force throughout the county and surrounding areas.
Additionally, the HCC has rolled out an insurance program for employers with two or more employees. The program aims to offer insurance premiums at competitive rates, along with providing employers with the tools to create a healthier workforce.
Contact HCC Executive Director Toniann Richard at 660.259.2440 to learn more.