Community Spotlight: UnityPoint Health – Meriter & Physicians Plus

by | May 4, 2017 | Uncategorized

Our partners are doing great things for our kids, AND for others in the community as well.  Check out some of the cool and innovative projects that UnityPoint Health – Meriter and Physicians Plus are up to in our city!

Community Paramedicine Program

This program is an innovative healthcare delivery model that has created a unique partnership between Madison Fire Department paramedics and the Meriter emergency department.

After noticing that a high percentage of ED visits were coming from a small group of patients, staff got together to see how they could help these patients improve their health, and avoid a trip to the hospital.  This integrated team includes the Meriter emergency department, social work, care coordination, addiction medicine and others.  They meet regularly to discuss all aspects of each patient’s health.

Fire Department Paramedics then visit these patients in their homes and provide a comprehensive combination of medical, social and wellness visits. The goal is to help to empower patients to take ownership of their health, thus reducing their health crises.

Results

So, how is it working?  Just one year in to the program, the results have been immensely successful!  Check out this page to see for yourself.

 

Bayview Gardens

Did you ever wonder who is responsible for the incredible garden located on the hospital campus?  I was amazed to learn that it is managed by teens from the nearby Bayview neighborhood housing community.  This community is made up of primarily children of immigrants and refugees from Southeast Asia.  In the past year, they have transformed the lawn just outside the hospital walls into a productive organic vegetable and herb garden! The teens design, plant, and cultivate the garden all season long. Not only are they learning about gardening, sustainability, and composting, but they are also working on financial literacy and planning.  This is a clear example of making an impact right in your own backyard!
This was covered in an article by the Capital Times as well.

We’re grateful for the support of UnityPoint Health – Meriter and Physicians Plus, and are looking for ways that we can deepen our partnerships with their community initiatives as well.  Look for exciting news regarding Bayview’s summer programming this month!