Local community hospital, Mid-Columbia Medical Center is one of only four
hospitals across the United States to receive a 2019 MultiPlan Rural Health Grant.
Mid-Columbia Medical Center is in the process of developing its pilot program
“Food for Life” which will provide fresh fruits, vegetables
and whole grains, all important components of healthy eating, to food
insecure patients. Along with food boxes, patients will receive follow
up support and resource materials and will be monitored by Registered
Nurses. The pilot program is limited 25 patients who must qualify and
reside within MCMC’s six county service area of Wasco, Sherman,
Hood River and Gilliam counties in Oregon, and Skamania and Klickitat
counties in Washington.
Since the inception of the MultiPlan Rural Health Grant in 1995, they have
awarded over half a million dollars to hospitals serving rural communities.
Grant recipients are required to use awarded funds to help them introduce
or expend services or provide education, screenings and other endeavors
that support the healthcare needs in their communities.
“Our hope is to be able to launch a larger program with sustainable
funding,” said Celeste Hill-Thomas, Executive Director of Outreach,
Communication & Foundation at Mid-Columbia Medical Center. “This
grant from MultiPlan allows us to start a pilot program and prove its
worth in the community,” she adds, “we are extremely grateful
for the support.”
For more information about programs that help local patients please contact
the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation at 541-296-7275,
mchf@mcmc.net or visit online at
www.mcmc.net/give.