Saint Alphonsus partners with insurer to improve vaccine access
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, May 20th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
EASTERN OREGON/IDAHO – (Release from Saint Alphonsus) Saint Alphonsus Health System is boosting its mobile vaccine outreach program thanks to a partnership with Blue Cross of Idaho. The health insurer has provided a $75,000 grant for Saint Alphonsus to purchase a Ford Transit Van and equip it for use as a mobile clinic to reach rural and underserved communities in SW Idaho and Eastern Oregon.
“COVID-19 has highlighted health inequities in the communities we serve,” said Jennifer Palagi, Vice President of Community Health and Well-Being at Saint Alphonsus Health System. “One of the most critical needs we’ve seen is access to healthcare in rural, underserved and medically fragile communities. That’s why we launched our mobile vaccine program, to remove barriers to access. This generous gift from Blue Cross of Idaho enhances our ability to meet our mission – provide care for our patients where they live and offer these critical services.”
The nearly 20-foot long van is being retrofitted by Wandervans of Boise, which will install custom storage, seating for eight passengers, and importantly – refrigeration to keep vaccines cold in transit and while conducting immunization clinics.
“Blue Cross of Idaho is pleased to partner with Saint Alphonsus to help deliver the COVID-19 vaccine across the Treasure Valley,” said Charlene Maher, President and CEO of Blue Cross of Idaho. “Factors such as a lack of transportation, reliable digital access or a language barrier are barriers to care that we can overcome. The new mobile van can meet Idahoans in their communities and increase distribution equity for our farm workers, refugees or someone experiencing homelessness. We are committed to the health of all Idahoans and are proud of our collaboration with Saint Alphonsus to better connect Idaho’s rural communities.”
“Our Community Health and Well-Being team has traveled more than 2,000 miles throughout southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon and has vaccinated nearly 1,200 people in two months. This grant from Blue Cross of Idaho will help us continue to provide the needed vaccines to our rural communities in order to ensure the economic recovery continues and the health of our community members is protected,” said Odette Bolano, President and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System.
Saint Alphonsus is currently renting two Wandervan vehicles to operate its mobile clinics, which have visited churches, schools, community centers, non-profits and employers throughout southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon.
About Saint Alphonsus Health System
As a faith-based Catholic ministry and not-for-profit health system, Saint Alphonsus Health System reinvests in the communities we serve, through charity care and other benefits. Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of people by emphasizing care that is patient-centered, physician-led, innovative and community-based. Saint Alphonsus Health System serves the people of southwestern Idaho, eastern Oregon and northern Nevada through these facilities: Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center – Boise, ID; Saint Alphonsus Regional Rehabilitation Hospital – Boise, ID, a joint venture with Encompass Health; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Nampa, ID; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Ontario, OR; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Baker City, OR; and Saint Alphonsus Medical Group with primary and specialty care providers at over 70 clinic locations, all of which are members of the Saint Alphonsus Health Alliance, a network of over 2100 employed and independent providers. Saint Alphonsus is a proud member of Trinity Health, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation. Trinity Health serves people and communities in 22 states from coast to coast with 94 hospitals and 122 continuing care facilities, home health and hospice programs, and PACE center locations. To find out more go to: www.saintalphonsus.org
