Winona Health’s Community Care Network earns Innovation Award

Winona Health’s Community Care Network has earned a Health Care Homes Innovation Award from the Minnesota Department of Health. Health Care Homes Innovation awards recognize outstanding results and improved community health through whole-person care, team-based care, community partnership, quality improvement and health equity. “The primary goal of the Community Care Network team is to develop relationships with clients so we can help them identify barriers and develop creative ways to achieve their health goals,” said Kelly Fluharty, MPH, community care organization manager. In collaboration with Winona State University, the program trains college students as health coaches to participate in our care teams. Health coaches provide emotional support, help facilitate access to community resources and help clients identify actions they can take to improve their overall well-being. Community Care Network clients who have been in the program for three or more years have shown a 29-37 percent reduction in Emergency Department visits and 55-73 percent decrease in hospitalization. The Community Care Network is one of the ways Winona Health is looking at community healthcare differently. It’s a proactive approach that provides nonmedical and medical support, resources and education for people managing chronic illnesses such as COPD, diabetes, or mental health issues. The program helps people remain independent in their homes and avoid unnecessary hospitalization by providing the right kind of support. Learn more about the Community Care Network, or call 507.457.7660.