Home Health Care Funding Arrives in Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, and Clark Counties

Press Release

Individuals suffering from debilitating and terminal illnesses now have more health care options thanks to the work of Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA-03) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). Almost $250,000 of federal funding aimed at home health care programs has now arrived at the Community Home Health & Hospice which operates facilities in Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, and Clark Counties. The non profit organization plans to use the money to purchase 50 monitors to take daily vital signs of patients.

"For folks suffering in their time of medical need, having the option to receive care from home can sometimes be as effective as receiving care in a hospital or nursing facility," said Congressman Baird. "Programs are these are absolutely essential to our community."

The purchase of the monitors is part of an overall effort to implement a telemonitoring program. Telemonitoring, in which data is immediately transmitted and monitored by a specially trained registered nurse, is key in determining a course of care for the patients. This might include telephone intervention about medication dosage, educational opportunities, immediate visits, scheduled visits, hospitalization, or emergency services.

"Telemedicine and other technologies have proven to positively impact patient care and reduces hospitalization rates," said Congressman Baird. "For people receiving care at home, early intervention by a skilled medical worker can prevent their condition from becoming worse, save a trip to the emergency room or admission to a hospital, and improve their access to timely care."

Community Home Health & Hospice has been providing home health care services to residents of Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, and Clark counties since 1977. It provides skilled home healthy care, in-home hospice, and home care personal services.

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