CareSource, a nationally recognized non-profit health plan, donated $1 million to the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (AAA5).
The gift will provide AAA5 the opportunity to expand programs that will reach vulnerable people of all ages, demographics, and communities within Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot counties. AAA5 understands that CareSource's mission strives to eliminate poverty and provide much-needed services to low- and moderate-income families. An additional goal is to encourage healthy communities, develop innovative approaches to address critical health issues, and enhance the lives of a diverse array of children, adults, and families.
AAA5 will expand the current Helping Elderly Meet Essential Needs (HEMEN) program with these funds. HEMEN is designed to provide one-time essential items to help people remain safe and independent in their homes and provide items not covered by other programs and funding sources.
"Everyday items that some may take for granted are life-changing for others," Diane Ramey, chief clinical officer, said. "For example, providing a vacuum or an air conditioner unit could help them remain safe, independent, and healthy in their community and homes."
AAA5 members also realized the great need for the work of a community health worker (CHW) in the counties it serves. The goal of a CHW is to improve health and social equity. CHWs can work with people to identify individually modifiable risk factors (spanning medical, social, and behavioral health needs) and address those risk factors by capitalizing on the strong, trusting relationships that CHWs develop over time with the people and families they serve. Many risk factors hinge on changes in individual behavior like nutrition, education, parenting, or compliance with medical care. CHWs regularly visit clients in their homes, so they are in a unique role to support the coordination of care and also coach and support people to learn new skills, get access to needed services, and make vital behavioral changes to improve their health and social outcomes.
The work of the CHW assures that they can focus on the community's most at-risk populations and, through evidence-based and outcome-focused steps, ensures that people can connect to primary care and prevention services, behavioral health services, housing, food, clothing, adult education, and employment. It has been AAA5's vision and passion to continue growing this program. This funding opportunity allows them to expand and hire a full-time CHW to reach vulnerable people of all ages, demographics, and communities within a nine-county region.
The funding from CareSource will provide an opportunity to hire an additional CHW to add to the current team of four CHWs at the agency.
"The Area Agency on Aging is honored and privileged to receive this gift," Duana Patton, chief executive officer, said. "Our traditional state, federal, and local funds often do not cover all the needs of those we serve. This gift will allow us to provide essential services to individuals who want to remain safe, independent, and in their own homes. This is not just a gift to the Area Agency on Aging; it is a generous gift to those we serve. I'm grateful for our relationship with CareSource and appreciate their support."
"CareSource knows the importance of partnering with local organizations who are already doing great work for Ohioans," Steve Ringel, president of CareSource Ohio, said. "We are proud to support the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. as they work to expand their programs to help vulnerable individuals."
CareSource is a non-profit, nationally recognized managed care organization with over two million members. It has been headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, since its founding in 1989. CareSource administers one of the largest Medicaid-managed care plans in the U.S. In addition, the organization offers health insurance, including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare Advantage, and dual-eligible programs. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address the social determinants of health, health equity, prevention, and access to care.
For additional information about signing up for a social isolation program, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 419-524-4144.
The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is located at Hawkins Corner in Ontario. It serves the north-central Ohio area, including Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot counties, and assists aging and disabled people. Contact the Area Agency on Aging at 419-524-4144 or 800-560-5799. More information can be found on their Facebook page and their website at aaa5ohio.org.
