Healthy Blue awards grant to Bothwell ToRCH program

Healthy Blue, a Missouri Medicaid health plan, recently presented a $4,500 grant to the Bothwell Regional Health Center Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) program. 

ToRCH is a rural health program sponsored by the MO HealthNet Division, which manages the Missouri Medicaid program. It is a model of care that directs resources to rural communities committed to addressing the non-medical factors that impact health outcomes. Bothwell is one of six rural community hubs to participate in the program and has embedded the ToRCH program in its Population Health department.

Elizabeth Green, ToRCH program manager, said the grant from Healthy Blue will help eligible Pettis County Medicaid participants with needs that exceed ToRCH funding maximums.

“We’re extremely grateful for Healthy Blue’s support that will help people in our community,” she said. “Many of the requests we receive are for environmental modifications in a person’s home such as ramps, grab bars, accessible bathrooms or pest control. The funds will be used to supplement the costs of enhancements that will help people live more independently and safely.”

The ToRCH program works by connecting Bothwell and community partners to an online platform that streamlines care coordination. The tool allows all partners to share resources and securely send and receive electronic referrals for service while addressing social needs like safe housing, transportation, access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity. 

“ToRCH’s overall goal is to bring together the community-based organizations in our community that help people,” Green said. “By working together and understanding what each organization offers, we can help them get the support they need to stay safe, healthy and out of the hospital.”

Healthy Blue, a Missouri Medicaid health plan, recently presented a $4,500 grant to the Bothwell Regional Health Center ToRCH program. Front row, from left to right, Lillian Colburn, Healthy Blue marketing territory manager; Leslie Harris, Population Health director; Britney Trotter, Population Health clinic care coordinator; Leslie Stevenson, RN, Population Health nurse navigator; Elizabeth Green, ToRCH program manager; and Kaitlin Betts, Population Health clinic care coordinator; back row, from left to right, Courtney Staus, Population Health clinic care coordinator; Rebecca Embry, Population Health data abstractor; Debbie Bredehoeft, LPN, Population Health clinic care coordinator; Marvin Smoot, Clinic Operations vice president; and Leah Mahin, Bothwell clinic manager.
Healthy Blue, a Missouri Medicaid health plan, recently presented a $4,500 grant to the Bothwell Regional Health Center ToRCH program. Front row, from left to right, Lillian Colburn, Healthy Blue marketing territory manager; Leslie Harris, Population Health director; Britney Trotter, Population Health clinic care coordinator; Leslie Stevenson, RN, Population Health nurse navigator; Elizabeth Green, ToRCH program manager; and Kaitlin Betts, Population Health clinic care coordinator; back row, from left to right, Courtney Staus, Population Health clinic care coordinator; Rebecca Embry, Population Health data abstractor; Debbie Bredehoeft, LPN, Population Health clinic care coordinator; Marvin Smoot, Clinic Operations vice president; and Leah Mahin, Bothwell clinic manager.