T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F A L A B A M A ®

Pickens County PartnershipA Health Care Teaching County

Project Status Report Overall Status: On Track

Project Name: The University of Alabama/Pickens County Partnership - A Health Care Teaching County

March 2017

Project Abstract The UA-Pickens County Partnership is in year one of the development of a “Health Care Teaching County” (HCTC) aimed at creating an innovation partnership for sustaining a struggling healthcare system through strong ties for innovation between UA and Pickens County, Alabama. Modeled after the idea of a “teaching hospital” based in a community, the HCTC is a collaborative approach intended to be a sustained and long term effort in which the county’s citizens and health professionals, in partnership with UA faculty and students, collaborate to build an enhanced and sustainable model of health care delivery for the county. The partnership was recognized at the 10th Annual Excellence in Community Engagement Awards ceremony held by The University of Alabama Center of Community Based Partnerships for Outstanding Community Partner-Initiated Engagement Effort. There are three components of the HCTC. First, a project coordinator was hired and an office established to facilitate overall daily program development and oversight for the partnership activities. Next, eight pilot projects between UA Faculty and community organizations were funded to begin to address high priority health-related issues identified in Pickens County. Many of the projects are addressing issues that are considered underling “social determinants” of health. The Pilot Projects began implementing their interventions in June 2016. Thirdly, four recent UA graduates, the partnership “Fellows,” were hired to provide resources to Pickens County and assist with the pilot projects while also obtaining personal professional development during this “gap year” experience and before continuing their education and careers.

The project is ON TRACK

A Rural Health Care Management Pilot Program has been implemented involving the Pickens County community with faculty and students from The University of Alabama to develop the UA/ Pickens County Partnership – A Health Care Teaching County.

Issues: Struggling County Hospital Multiple “social determinants” contributing to low health ranking of the county including

Low Health Literacy (particularly in the schools) High levels of Obesity

Milestones accomplished Community Needs Assessment completed. 9 pilot grant projects funded between UA faculty and community organizations to address

health issues identified in Pickens County.

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Hired 4 fellows who have identified community needs by conducting a community assessment and started their own community projects.

Hired a Project Coordinator, secured office to establish partnership infrastructure. Health screenings offered and conducted in each elementary school within Pickens County. Screened 90 preschool children for risk factors of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes Professional development training conducted for 32 Pickens County Teachers and

Administrators within the Pickens County School System. 15 patients are now participating are in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Services due to efforts

through the partnership which included increasing equipment and personal efforts. Comprehensive community resource guide developed and over 500 copies distributed

throughout the community as well as online.

Milestones Planned Short Term

Conduct health screenings for middle and high school students in Pickens County before the end of the 2016-2017 school year.

Community Wide Health Fair set for April 6th at the Health Plex on the Pickens County Medical Center campus

Continue to develop Evaluation Plan

Milestones planned for next year

Establish and train new fellows for the 2017-2018 academic year. Fund new pilot grant projects for the 2017-2018 academic year. Fund pilot grant projects that are in progress with merit for renewal in the 2017-2018

academic year.

Areas for improvement • Assist funded projects in which a no cost extension was requested to overcome barriers and establish project sustainability.

• Locate additional space within the county to provide project infrastructure needed to continue success.

• Assist community members with the importance of understanding the importance of conducting the health screenings in the schools.

Contact Information Dean Richard Streiffer, MD Office: 205-348-1288 Email: rhstreiffer@ua.edu

Budget $190,000 Pilot Grant Projects conducted by UA Faculty and Pickens Partners $200,000 Fellows and their projects $150,000 Infrastructure, Project Office, Coordinator $60,000 Other Community Projects $600,000 Total

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Title and Purpose University Partners Pickens County Partners Project Location(s) Activity SynopsisImproving Pickens County Residents’ Knowledge of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes - Create an infrastructure through which healthcare providers and community partners work together to increase Pickens Co. residents' knowledge of their cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

M. Montgomery, PhD; P. Johnson, PhD; Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) & 115 CCN students

Pickens County Board of EducationPickens County Head StartPickens County Community Action

Early Learning Center-Carrollton

Completed 4 screenings with 90 preschool children. Parent surveys have been distributed to assess their knowledge of risk factors for Cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A community-wide health screenings will be held April 6th at the Healthplex in Carrollton.

Alabama Literacy Project - Provide resources and professional development for Pickens Co. school teachers and administrators.

C. Donovan, PhD; College of Education

Jamie Chapman, Superintendent, Pickens County Schools

Carrollton Fall FestivalPickens County Head Start

Participated in the Carrollton Fall Festival. Met with community members and gave away over 150 books. Provided professional development for 32 teachers and administrators on three occasions. 11 hours of professional development and 192 books have been distributed. More than 30 hours of professional development have been completed or scheduled.

Improving Access to Cardiac Rehabilitation Services in Pickens Co. - Establish a partnership between UA and the Cardiopulmonary Dept. at PCMC to aid in the development of a sustainable evidence based cardiac rehab program to address the needs of cardiac patients at PCMC.

J. Wingo, PhD; College of Education; A. Shah, PhD School of Social Work & 3 Undergraduate Interns from the Department of Kinesiology

Pickens County Medical Center-Sharon Crawford Wester

Pickens County Medical Center Cardio-Pulmonary Services

Collaborated on developing a cardiac rehabilitation program in Fall 2016. Currently, there are 15 patients in the program.

Disseminating the Power PATH Mental Health Preventive Intervention to the Pickens County Head Start Program - Provide the curriculum and training needed for Pickens Co. Head Start teachers and family service workers to implement a mental health program.

C. Boxmeyer, PhD; College of Community Health Sciences; A. Gilpin, PhD; J. DeCaro, PhD; J. Lochman, PhD; Q. Mitchell, PhD; College of Arts and Sciences & 3 undergraduate students

Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation, Inc.:Cynthia SimpsonVanessa HopkinsFrank WoodsDemeka EdwardsJoanna Williams12 Head Start preschool teachers

Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation, Inc.Head Start Program (located in Carrollton, Alabama, in the Pickens County Early Childhood Learning Center)

The Preschool PATHS® Social Emotional Program curriculum was instituted in all 6 Head Start programs with 120 students. Community partners have been trained to implement parent program.

Bringing Healthy Food Options and Ease of Preparation Home to our Senior Adults - Increasing knowledge of basic cooking and self efficacy to prepare meals and select healthy food options - focusing on nutrient-dense, cost effective food choices.

J. Anderson; College of Continuing Studies C. Suzanne Henson, MS, RD, LD; College of Community Health Sciences

Anne Jones-Pickens County Family ResourcesPickens County Senior CentersSharon Crawford-Pickens County Medical CenterJacki Lee-Pickens County Medical CenterKevin Jones-Jones Media ProductionPiggly Wiggly-GordoAshmore’s Fine Foods-ReformFederal Correctional Institution-Aliceville

Piggly Wiggly-GordoAshmore’s Fine Foods-ReformFederal Correctional Institution-AlicevilleReform Senior CenterGordo Senior Center

Healthy cooking sessions have been conducted at the Gordo and Reform Senior Centers with approximately 30 individuals. A healthy food sampling occurred at 2 grocery stores in the county, and a similar program took place at the Federal Correctional Institution.

Teleplay: Connecting Physicians, Families, and Autism Professionals to Increase Early Autism Identification in Pickens Co. - Teleplay can provide the access by creating a sustainable mechanism for supporting physicians through the early identification and referral process.

L. G. Yerby, PhD; College of Community Health Sciences; A. Barber, PhD; College of Arts & Sciences and C. Childers, MSIII/IV

Julia Booth, MD, MPH Pickens County Primary Care Clinic-Reform

TelePlay system has been implemented on the appropriate computer server. A Computer Based Honors Student has been identified to work on the project starting Spring 2017. Due to collaborative efforts children are already being identified and one is receiving treatment and services.

Funded Projects

Pickens County Medical-Legal Partnership for the Elderly - Establishing a partnership through the UA Elder Law Clinic providing legal care to PCMC patients over age 60, addressing common health-harming legal issues.

G. Brake; School of Law; Student Legal Interns in the Elder Law Clinic; Elder Law Clinic Interim Director; Staff Attorney & Paralegal

Jim Marshall, CEO, Pickens County Medical Center

Pickens County Medical CenterAliceville Manor Nursing HomeIndividual clients’ homes

Approximately 23 clients have been served and the project director has meet with numerous groups in the county including health care providers to promote to educate and train healthcare providers in the identification and referral of elderly patients with potentially health-harming legal issues.

Development of Family Medicine Residency in Pickens County- Establishing a rural residency program based at PCMC for hospital related training.

R. Friend, MD; College of Community Health Sciences

Jim Marshall, CEO, Pickens County Medical CenterDeborah Tucker, CEO Whatley Health Services

Pickens County Medical CenterLeaders from the Pickens County Hospital and UA traveled to a model residency program in Louisiana to research needs for program implementation at Pickens County Medical Center.

EXPO Project (Exploring Professional Opportunities) in Health Care- A leadership program to encourage Pickens Co. students to enter into a health care related field following high school graduation.

R. Friend, MD, College of Community Health Sciences

Patti Fuller, Extension Office; Shawn McDaniel Pickens County School Board

Various locations: UA, Mississippi State, Samford Pharmacy & Mississippi University for Women

25 high school students from Pickens County were selected to participate in a leadership program to enhance their college readiness and expose them to career opportunities in the healthcare field.

Title University Partners Pickens County Partners Project Location(s) Activity Synopsis

Health ScreeningsJ. Russell; C. Rentas; A. Anderson; L. Brown & 25 student volunteers from the CCN

Pickens County Board of Education & Pickens Academy

All Pickens County Elementary Schools

Health screenings were offered to all students K - 6 in Pickens County Schools. Information from screenings is being sent to parents or guardians. Screenings for middle and high school students are scheduled.

Gardening Projects J. Russell; C. Rentas; A. Anderson & L. Brown

Pickens County 4HCooperative Extension ServiceDr. Valerie Jackson, Principal-Reform ElementaryAlabama State Cooperative Extension ServiceAlabama Outdoor Classroom ProgramAliceville Senior CenterAliceville Garden ClubCity of AlicevilleAliceville First United Methodist Church food pantry

GordoReform ElementaryAliceville

Gardening club is being taught to students aged 7-14. Currently working on curriculum and offering resources to Reform Elementary School to build an outdoor classroom. Currently pursuing grant funding and certification by the Alabama Outdoor Classroom program. Working with community groups to distribute food from gardens help in maintaining the gardens.

Nutritional Cooking Class C. Rentas Pickens County Board of Education4H (after-school program)

Aliceville High SchoolCareer Center (Carrollton)4H House (Gordo)

Nutritional cooking courses have been taught to nearly 100 student from around the county. Curriculum focuses on making nutrition understandable and relevant, as well as instruction on healthy cooking techniques using food that is available locally and affordable.

Health Education in Rural Elementary Schools A. Anderson & J. Russell Pickens County School District

Health education lessons taught 3rd and 4th classes reaching approximately 140 students. At each session, a topic within the CDC’s comprehensive health education curriculum is addressed. Lesson topics have included: dental hygiene, nutrition, exercise, tobacco/smoking, safety.

Seniors L. Brown & J. Russell Pickens County Family Resource Center

Reform Senior Activity CenterAliceville Senior Activity CenterGordo Senior Activity CenterCarrollton Senior Activity Center

Weekly activity and educational sessions held at each of the 4 activity centers. Gardening clubs forming at 2 of the centers. Blood pressure checks and education are provided on the third Friday of every month.

Community Resource Guide L. BrownComprehensive guide detailing health-related resources across Pickens County was developed and distributed. 500 guides were distributed county-wide after the first printing.

Fellow Activities