Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Applauds Health Partnership
St. Louis RHC Completes all Milestones
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today congratulated the St. Louis Regional Health Commission (RHC) for their community wide effort to examine, better coordinate, and improve the health care network in St. Louis City and County.
"This state and local, private and public partnership has become a national model for how to better meet the needs of the uninsured," Blunt said. "The commission’s efforts to improve efficiency and integrate resources are resulting in better access to quality healthcare for our citizens. I am pleased that Missouri was able to be a partner to the health commission, and I am proud of the work they have done. I congratulate them for all they have accomplished for the St. Louis region."
The St. Louis RHC is a collaborative effort of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, the State of Missouri, health providers, and community members to improve the health of uninsured and underinsured citizens in St. Louis City and County. On behalf of Missouri, Blunt announced that the non-profit organization has completed all milestones as outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
"In four short years, the health care safety net in St. Louis has made great strides in becoming a model for other communities around the country. The efforts of the State of Missouri on behalf of the St. Louis region have been essential to our progress to date," said Robert Fruend, Jr., Chief Executive Officer for the St. Louis RHC. "With the State’s support, we are pleased to report that the St. Louis community has successfully submitted all milestones required so far by the Federal government, and we look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen the health care safety net in our region."
Some of the St. Louis region’s accomplishments include improving access to specialty care services, strengthening care quality and consumer education, improved information technology and improved efficiency and business office processes. Much of this work has been accomplished through support of a new safety net provider partnership, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network.
Their efforts are consistent with Blunt’s belief that solutions to our healthcare challenges will come from innovative ideas that challenge our current healthcare delivery system. Their accomplishments demonstrate communities’ and individuals’ potential for success when they are empowered by the state.
For more information about the St. Louis RHC, visit their web site at http://www.stlrhc.org/.
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