Case Management, Education & Prevention

Nearly half of the patients receiving care at CommunityHealth suffer from at least one chronic disease. To address their needs, CommunityHealth provides ongoing case management, and a variety of educational programs and services to all patients.

Our Case Management Program

Case management is a CommunityHealth nursing program designed to provide extra support for patients who are having difficulty managing and coordinating their health care. This comprehensive approach to patient care emphasizes education and empowerment, and has the overall goal of helping patients gain the confidence, knowledge and tools they need to play an active role in managing and maintaining their health care. Nursing staff educate patients about their medications, schedule appointments and make follow up calls to ensure that patients are following their treatment regimen. Whenever possible, appointments are scheduled so that patients can see the same volunteer physician, as well as a consistent team of nurses, health educators and dietitians.

In recognition of our work in this area, CommunityHealth received in 2005 its first federal grant, a $99,200 award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grant provides for the expansion of the case management program, with a special focus on early detection, continuity of treatment, and one-on-one patient support in areas relating to diabetes, cardiovascular health and nutrition.

Our Educational Programs

More than 50% of our educational visits focus on two chronic conditions, diabetes and cardiovascular disease—both leading causes of death and disability in the communities served by CommunityHealth.

We also provide ongoing wellness and educational classes (many offered in English, Spanish and Polish) in such areas as HIV counseling, healthy diet and exercise, smoking cessation, coping with sadness & depression and parenting.

To learn more about upcoming classes and how to attend, contact our Health Education Coordinator at ablankenberger@communityhealth.org.