MPCA News

More Montana CHC Grant News

Partnership Health Center (PHC) – Missoula, thanks to grant writer Alisa Reich, has also been the recipient of grant awards from the Chutney Foundation for its Miles for Healthy Smiles program, and from the BPHC for its HIV/AIDS project. The Miles for Smiles program emphasizes oral health prevention training for the underserved in the Blackfoot Valley/Seely Lake area, Missoula’s DeSmet and Lowell elementary schools, the Missoula Indian Center, the Povarello Homeless Shelter, and in local nursing homes. Health Promotion Specialist Lisa Tims, who has past experience in tobacco prevention and osteoporosis education in Missoula, will administer the innovative program which emphasizes teaching children and caregivers about oral health care. “Increasing oral health education outreach in the community blends really well with our dental services expansion,” comments Reich.

Reich was also successful in her application for a grant from the HIV Aids Bureau, a branch of the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), which will be utilized to implement a continuous quality improvement program for Ryan White clients. PHC currently provides HIV/AIDS care to 16 counties through its existing Ryan White funding, so “we have a good handle on what the needs are,” comments Reich. Often there are real barriers to accessing HIV care, especially in the smaller towns we serve.” Program Director Erin Chambers will assess barriers and implement solutions to facilitate access to care. Chambers will also promote the Chronic Disease Self-Management Model, which as the name implies promotes self care, a model which has worked well in HIV care nationwide.

Montana Primary Care Association 1805 Euclid Avenue Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-2750 Fax: (406) 449-2460