The K21 Health Foundation is committed to identifying and providing funding for health and wellness needs in Kosciusko County. We are excited about the future, but are also proud of the needs that have been met in the past.

Below are a few recent grants that we'd like to highlight for you which we are especially excited about.

Diabetes Research Study funded by K21 - Update

Through funding provided by K21, we are one year into a 2-year research grant to a team of health-care workers to studying behavioral health interventions in the treatment of diabetes. This team includes three psychologists: Kevin Roberts, Psy.D., Joe Graham, Psy.D., and Thomas Edgington, Ph.D.; the Kosciusko County Health Department; local physicians; and educators Jacqueline Lowe, R.Ph., and Angela Friend, BSN. The basic hypothesis driving the research purports that it is possible to improve the long term health outcomes of individuals diagnosed with Type II Diabetes by adding a psychological component to their treatment.

Dr. Roberts and Dr. Graham gave a progress presentation to the K21 Board which showed remarkable impact for the patients in the study.  With one year into the study, 90% of the patients receiving this level of care showed improved test scores.  Dr. Roberts also pointed out that the statistical accuracy of the testing is showing a clear impact through the study.  "Our biggest challenge is trying to get a sufficient number of referrals from the medical community, so we're working extra hard to develop those relationships with the doctors and making them aware of this ongoing study and opportunity", Dr. Graham shared.  Almost one year into the study, they have about 150 patients out of the planned 300 over the two years. 

It is the hope of the researchers that patients will see improved health related outcomes and quality of life as a result of this study. One goal of this study is to develop a new integrated care model for treating diabetes.  If successful, this new model can be utilized in Kosciusko County and elsewhere.  Possibilities of presenting results to the State of Indiana are also being pursued.

Diabetes affects 23.6 million people in the United States alone. Each year in Indiana, over $15,000 is spent per diabetes patient on health care. One challenge in treating diabetes is lifestyle change often required for people to control this potentially dangerous disease. This research study involves a comprehensive approach to treating diabetes by providing mental health services and diabetes education at the point of service. In this study, the psychological component being utilized is motivational interviewing and the Stages of Change Model.  This technique focuses on helping the participants overcome previous barriers to success in diabetes management as prescribed by their primary care physician.  It also provides encouragement and accountability for participants when they do not meet their goals. In addition, the psychologists will provide cognitive and behavioral interventions, and work to improve the patient's problem-solving and coping skills.

Biomedical Curriculums

In an effort to help promote health education for high school students in Kosciusko County, K21 Health Foundation has provided funding to both Warsaw Community High School and Whitko High School so they can offer the project Lead the Way Biomedical Curriculum.  This series of four classes is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career or post-secondary education in a health-related field.  Students participating in these classes are given the opportunity for practical, real-world experiences related to a health-related career.
 

To date, 146 students from WCHS have taken part in the first three classes:  Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, and Medical Intervention.  The final class, Biomedical Innovations, will be offered for the first time during the 2010-2011 school year.  Students of Whitko High School will be given the opportunity to take the first class of the series, Principles of Biomedical Science, during the 2010-2011 school year.

Head Start Hearing/Vision Screening Equipment

 K21 Health Foundation recently provided an $8,895 grant for the purchase of hearing and vision screening equipment for the Head Start program.  The equipment will be used to test children attending Head Start classes throughout Kosciusko County, which is required by law.  Because the equipment uses advanced technology, even newborns can be screened effectively for hearing and vision problems.  Use of the equipment has already prompted referrals for three children to hearing and vision specialists. Head Start will also be loaning the equipment for use at local health fairs, including events such as the Kosciusko Health Fair at IVY Tech which was held this past February. 

Health Connect's Help Center & Service Liaison

One of the barriers for people in our community when looking for the help they need is knowing what is available to them.  Often people are not aware of services in our community that can assist in their need or they don't know how to access that care.  Health Connect, Inc. has begun the Health Connect Help Center in the new K21 Health Services Pavilion.  With the centralizing of many non-profit health service offerings in one building, it made it possible to add a help center to provide direction and guidance to those with needs that are unsure if and how those needs can be met. 

Clare Krabill is the Services Liaison at the Help Center to provide that personal service and attention.  Her knowledge of services in the building and throughout the community can help people find how their needs can best be met.  In addition, Clare also is the patient advocate for two financial assistance programs that offer help to those under financial strain due to medical circumstances: The Good Samaritan Fund and the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund.

K21 Health Foundation has chosen to fund the launching of this program for the community in assisting Health Connect, Inc. provide this invaluable service to our community. To contact Clare Krabill at the Health Services Pavilion call 372-3500