Community

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital Hosts First AmeriCorps Member

Community Navigator Project Will Help Identify Patients That May Need Preventative Care

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital recently partnered with the Michigan Primary Care Association AmeriCorps program, a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, to develop a new role to further the hospital’s mission of improving the health of the community.

James Scarbrough, a native of Reed City and student at Central Michigan University, began his position as Community Navigator last month. As a full-time member, he is serving the hospital for one year, five days a week. This experience will allow him to utilize his AmeriCorps and hospital training to address health disparities in our community while supporting a patient-focused care model, the Patient-Centered Medical Home.

Scarbrough’s primary goal is to develop a registry of patient information, allowing healthcare providers to better coordinate, integrate and manage chronic diseases, while identifying any barriers to accessing care such as transportation and cost.

“Basically, I’m here to work on a project that will help identify patients that may need preventative care before their disease progresses. When developed, this registry will help the hospital respond to gaps and improve outreach efforts for the patient,” says Scarbrough. “I have dreamt of a chance to be a participant in making my community a better and safer place and I have found that opportunity through service as an AmeriCorps member.” For more information about the Michigan Primary Care Association AmeriCorps program log on to http://www.americorps.gov/.