COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — Improving the health of a community takes more than doctors and hospitals. Columbus Regional Health Foundation is bringing residents, schools, businesses, social service organizations, local government and health care providers together to address some of Bartholomew County’s most pressing health needs.
Through its Healthy Communities initiative, the Foundation uses community input and health data to identify priorities and develop programs designed to improve outcomes.
“A healthier community takes a community working together,” said Tanya Hand, president of Columbus Regional Health Foundation. “Columbus Regional Health is the leading partner, and the Foundation helps connect people, partners and resources.”
Three community health priorities
A community health needs assessment identified three primary areas of focus:
Karen Galbraith, Manager of Operations and Healthy Communities at Columbus Regional Health Foundation, said the priorities are shaped by input from people across the community.
“We take that voice from everyone in the community that participates,” Galbraith said. “Together with our council, we come up with solutions that help solve community medical issues and health needs.”
Tracking measurable progress
The initiative has reported progress in each of its focus areas.
Bartholomew County previously ranked among Indiana’s communities with higher infant mortality rates. Hand said the county is now in the top third in the state for reducing infant deaths.
“As a person who’s lost a child, I can say that improvement only comes through work and research and the community pulling together,” Hand said. “We see the improvement. It’s not just words.”
The Foundation also has seen increased participation in smoking cessation efforts.
“We’ve seen more than double the patients who have reached out and are asking for assistance for stopping smoking and using tobacco products,” Galbraith said.
For mental health, the Mental Health Matters group launched Credible Minds, a digital platform that connects people with mental health information and resources from home.
“It helps people take away the stigma because they can access the help right from their own home,” Galbraith said.
Community partners at the table
The Healthy Communities council brings together representatives from across the Columbus area, including:
The group meets to identify emerging needs and discuss potential solutions.
“We have someone from our BCSC, the mayor’s office, Cummins — we take community members and we have a council,” Hand said. “Together, we sit down and think about emerging needs.”
Looking ahead
Columbus Regional Health Foundation said it will continue expanding partnerships and tracking health outcomes as the Healthy Communities initiative develops.
Hand said the collaboration between the hospital, Foundation and community remains central to the effort.
“The Foundation, the hospital, and our community are the three legs of the stool,” Hand said. “And together, we’re making our region a healthier and safer place to live.”
For more information about the Healthy Communities initiative, visit crh.org/foundation.
