Stratis Health Announces New Building Healthier Communities Award Recipients

Published Monday, July 21, 2008
by Deb McKinley

Stratis Health announced three new recipients of its Building Healthier Communities award-the Evidence to Practice Program of Winona State and the Benedictine Health System, the Minnesota Diabetes Collaborative, and Perham Memorial Hospital and Home.

As a non-profit organization guided by an independent community-based board of directors, Stratis Health is committed to being a responsible and engaged community member. The Building Healthier Communities award supports initiatives that can help grow an appreciation for the culture of health care quality in Minnesota. Jennifer Lundblad, PhD, president and CEO, Stratis Health, said, "By funding these programs, we can be a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in our community."

Nominations for the award are made by Stratis Health Board or staff members. Award nominees must align with Stratis Health's mission and vision, advance Stratis Health's work and relationships, benefit the community, and focus on Minnesota.

Winona State University, in partnership with Benedictine Health System (BHS), will use its award to support the Evidence to Practice program, adding to the quality and best practices knowledge for long-term care facilities that is available through an online information clearinghouse. Stratis Health will help shape the content and promote the resource statewide.

"Stratis Health shares our goals for providing quality care. The Benedictine Health System and other long term care providers in Minnesota greatly appreciate the commitment Stratis Health has made to long term care quality improvement over the past several years," said Constance Schein, BHS director, clinical systems.

The Minnesota Diabetes Collaborative received a matching grant to develop and disseminate "Control Your Diabetes for Life," low literacy patient education materials. "This project will promote consistent patient education diabetes messages across settings aimed at people with limited language skills and those who prefer visual instruction aids," said Minnesota Diabetes Collaborative member Laurel Reger, Minnesota Department of Health. "It will promote best diabetes care practices to health professionals as well."

Since implementing a household model of care to improve the lives of those living and working in nursing homes, Perham Memorial Hospital and Home has fielded numerous requests from nursing homes and other long term care stakeholders wanting to emulate its success. The organization will use its BHC award to create innovative approaches to sharing information about its experiences with others. Stratis Health's nursing home and culture change experts will assist with the project.

"We are very excited to have this opportunity to work with Stratis Health," said Marilyn Oelfke, senior director of Long Term Care Services at Perham Memorial Hospital and Home. "Our facility has been on an eight-year journey to transform our long term care facility into a true home for our residents. Not only have we seen improved quality of life because of our move to the Household Model of care, but we have seen significant improvement in our residents' health status as well. We share with Stratis Health a deep commitment to promoting culture change throughout the state."