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HOME HEALTH VNA PROVIDES HOME CARE FOR CHILDREN IN NEED
WITH BAXTER INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION GRANT
Agency to
Develop Coordinated Model of Care for Better Outcomes
LAWRENCE, Mass., December 18,
2001 -- The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of
Baxter International Inc., has awarded a $47,279 grant to the Home Health
VNA in Lawrence, Massachusetts, which provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation
and other home care services to residents throughout the Merrimack Valley.
The grant will help fund a new care model for uninsured and underinsured
children in the greater Lawrence area who suffer from chronic health problems.
The majority of Home Health's maternal and child health department clients
live in Lawrence, the poorest city in Massachusetts and the 23rd poorest
city in the country. Only about half of the women in Lawrence get adequate
prenatal care, so it is not surprising that the city exceeds statewide
rates for premature and low birth weight babies, which can result in chronic
health problems.
"Children with complex health issues often need a variety of skilled
nursing and rehabilitative services, sometimes several home visits a week
for months or even years," said Joan Stygles Hull, R.N., president
and CEO, Home Health VNA. "Using care maps and a case management
team, Home Health VNA will provide coordinated and efficient health-care
delivery from multiple disciplines."
Home Health VNA cares for children
with a wide array of chronic health issues, such as development disabilities,
hearing loss, mental retardation, epilepsy, autism, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder and other conditions. Until now, Home Health's
caregivers, which include skilled nurses, physical therapists, and speech
therapists, were dispatched as needed upon physician approval.
"This type of coordination is not covered by insurance, but is essential
for efficient use of resources and good outcomes for children with complex
needs," said Hull.
Home Health VNA will replace the piecemeal approach with care plans based
on each child's diagnosis. A nurse and a rehabilitation specialist will
collaborate as case managers. They will meet regularly to review cases
and make revisions to the care plan as needed. The Baxter International
Foundation grant will pay for care map development, case management and
the gap in reimbursement for approximately 130 children.
"With its collaborative model of care, Home Health VNA meets the
foundation's objectives to increase access to care, while at the same
time improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of care," said
Patricia Morgan, executive director, The Baxter International Foundation.
"Their work will improve the lives of children and families throughout
the Lawrence area."
For information about volunteer opportunities at Home Health VNA, contact
Beth Dimitruk at (978) 552-4000.
Home Health VNA and its affiliated agencies, Merrimack Valley Hospice
and HomeCare Inc., represent the third largest home health association
in Massachusetts. They provide 400,000 skilled nursing visits per year
throughout Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire and Northeastern Massachusetts.
Services include skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and education
and prevention for elders, families and children. Combined, the agency's
caregivers travel 2.2 million miles per year to serve patients and families
in their homes.
As the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc., The Baxter International
Foundation helps to increase access to health care in the United States
and other countries. In 2000, foundation grants totaling $4.7 million
improved access to care for children, the uninsured and the elderly, helped
prevent child abuse and neglect, promoted health education, expanded education
opportunities for health-care providers, and helped victims of global
disasters.
Baxter International Inc. is a global medical products and services company
that, through its subsidiaries, provides critical therapies for people
with life-threatening conditions. Baxter employs approximately 50 people
in Massachusetts at its facilities in Andover and Bedford.
FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
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- Media Contacts:
- Tanya Tyska, Baxter,
(847) 948-3256
Beth Dimitruk, Home Health VNA, (978) 552-4186
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