A three-year initiative finally paid off for AHEC and six network members in Coos and Curry counties. A federal grant from the Human Resources Services Administration (HRSA) designated $721,000 in the first year to improve access to healthcare services for the uninsured population in Coos and Curry counties.

AHEC is coordinating the efforts of six healthcare entities in expanding their capacity to serve more low-income people. The Network members are Waterfall Clinic of North Bend, Coquille Valley Hospital, Powers Health District, Curry General Hospital in Gold Beach, and the public health departments of Coos and Curry counties.

The multi-pronged strategy consists of hiring eight additional nurse case managers and outreach specialists, expanding the capacity at three of the healthcare delivery sites, training clinic staff and volunteers to access pharmaceutical assistance, and to provide information and training to small business owners regarding health insurance packages for their employees. With approval of Congress, these HCAP funds will also be available for second and third year program delivery.

The grant application process was a highly competitive process and only two HCAP grants were awarded to organizations in Oregon. This grant meets the AHEC mission of "Building Healthy Communities Through Education and Collaborative Partnerships". AHEC is honored to have been selected to administer these funds, and is looking forward to building our collaborative partnerships with the six network members on the coast.

There are numerous employment opportunities provided through this grant.

To find out more about these opportunities, contact AHEC at ahec@healthyoregon.com.