CHH receives federal funding to connect community organizations

Monday, March 28, 2022

Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH), a member of Mountain Health Network (MHN), has received $267,000 in federal funding as part of the fiscal year 2022 appropriations omnibus package. The funding recently was announced by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“The mission of Mountain Health Network is to improve the well-being of all we serve through understanding, respecting and meeting their health needs,” said Kevin Yingling, RPh, MD, FACP, CEO, MHN and president, CHH and St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC). “We are so grateful to Sen. Capito, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, and Congresswoman Carol Miller for their continued commitment to our community by supporting that mission.”

The hospital will use the funds to purchase software that will enable FaithHealth Appalachia and other community organizations to connect through a shared technology platform that enables them to send and receive electronic referrals to address people’s social needs and improve health across communities.

“From its beginnings, FaithHealth Appalachia has existed to be a conduit of transformation by connecting faith communities, social service organizations and medical facilities to improve the total health of our neighbors,” said Rory Chapman, executive director of FaithHealth Appalachia. “Too often, we hear about folks falling through the cracks, or not getting the help they need simply because they lack information. We want to ensure people get the right information, so they access the right door at the right time.”
The software platform, called Unite US, is a national technology infrastructure with a presence in West Virginia that standardizes how health and social care providers communicate and track outcomes together.

“Unite West Virginia, and the entire Unite US platform, will be incredible tools that will assist us in our mission of connection in the Huntington and greater Tri-State community,” Chapman said. “It will enable us to better streamline our efforts in getting people the help they need, when and where they need it most. We hope to further our mission to better bridge the gaps within our communities and see less people falling through the cracks.”

The software will allow MHN member hospitals to join other community organizations to address social determinants of health such as food insecurity, transportation and other issues that impede their ability to thrive.
Community and social organizations that would like to connect with FaithHealth Appalachia may contact Rory Chapman at rory.chapman@chhi.org or 304-416-2098.