Social Services

Connecting People with Resources

In 2012, the REACH Healthcare Foundation created a new initiative called the Rural Health Initiative (RHI) with the goal of breaking through persistent barriers to healthcare access for rural residents who are poor and medically underserved. After more than four years of implementation and refinement, RHI now offers a promising framework for growing sustainable innovation capacity in rural communities.

In 2014, HCC modified a program originating in Arkansas to become the Connectors program. It trained volunteers in existing agencies who are routinely in the position of helping residents access health and social services in their community. Follow up with the individual makes it more likely that the resident has reached the service needed and provides data to track gaps and availability. This program has become very successful with over 70 trained Connectors in Lafayette and Eastern Jackson County Missouri.

Currently, the Connectors/Social Services group meets the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. via Zoom. There is a different guest speaker at each meeting.  To become a Connector or have your organization become involved in this program, your organization/agency must be a member of the HCC General Membership.

For more information, contact Chief Network Development Officer Suzanne Smith at 660.229.5293.