Grants will allow for improved patient care and workforce development
Vermont Business Magazine UVM Health Network - Home Health & Hospice (HHH) is pleased to announce the receipt of two grants from the Vermont Agency of Human Services, totaling $1.18 million. Vermont received funding through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to enhance, expand, and strengthen home and community-based services (HCBS) and allocated a portion of those funds to offer grants to HCBS providers that serve Medicaid members. This funding, made possible by the federal government and distributed via VT AHS, recognizes the importance of home and community-based services to supporting the health needs of our population.
HHH successfully secured a grant award of $456,341 that will be dedicated to expanding and evaluating the Longitudinal Care Program, a program that serves persons who lack a support system and whose social needs and health conditions create complexity in ongoing care needs ideally met through long-term engagement with an inter-disciplinary care team. With this funding, the organization will increase its capacity to deliver care within the program, expanding its reach and serving a greater number of clients. Additionally, the grant will facilitate a comprehensive program impact evaluation, further reinforcing the commitment to evidence-based practices and the development of sustainable funding models.
In addition to this award, HHH received a grant award of $728,824 to provide career advancement opportunities for the organization's staff and boost professional growth within the health care industry. The funding will also enable the acquisition of 186 secure clinical tablets that will advance the patient experience and support high-quality care delivery. This grant supports the UVM Health Network’s ongoing efforts to retain and grow our workforce.
“This funding will have an immediate impact on addressing our priorities, specifically supporting growth of our teams and expanding access to care for our most vulnerable neighbors,” says Christine Werneke, President and COO of UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice. “We will be able to further invest in opportunities for our staff and create pathways for people who haven’t yet found their way to a career in home health or hospice, allowing us to better meet the needs of our community today and tomorrow.”
These grants underscore the vital role of home and community-based services in the health care system. By investing in infrastructure, workforce development, and innovative care models, HHH aims to address the evolving needs of Vermonters. Evidence shows that delivering care in the home setting yields equal or better quality and outcomes compared to alternative care settings.
As the older population in our community grows, HHH is committed to finding innovative ways to deliver care to individuals with diverse needs, breaking down barriers to health and fostering independence. The grants also reflect HHH's dedication to investing in its people through expanded access to education, training, and professional development.
In addition to these initiatives, HHH will explore the expansion of a complex care model that provides individuals with a supportive community-based team to help them meet their goals and maintain independence.
About The University of Vermont Health Network – Home Health & Hospice
CARE AT HOME SINCE 1906
For more than 100 years, we have provided high-quality, compassionate care wherever our community members call home in Chittenden and Grand Isle counties. We support individuals and families at every age and stage of life, from pregnancy and early childhood care to adults with acute and chronic illnesses and those at the end of life.
Last year, Home Health & Hospice served more than 4,300 individuals, providing nearly 230,000 hours of care and offering millions of dollars in charitable care to neighbors in need. We are proud to be a funded agency of the United Way of Northwest Vermont and a member of the VNAs of Vermont.
Source: 2.29.2024. COLCHESTER. The University of Vermont Health Network UVMHealth.org
