Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System have formed a partnership called "Better Together" to address health disparities in Broward County. The alliance aims to improve healthcare access by providing better primary care, specialized maternal health services, and nutritious food options, especially for underserved communities, according to WSVN.
This collaboration responds to Broward County's healthcare challenges, including high hypertension rates, lack of annual checkups for a third of the population, and high infant mortality rates, particularly in the Black community. Better Together aims to increase access to timely care and reduce barriers related to cost, as reported by South Florida Hospital News.
The initiative will launch a centralized call center and website in April to make healthcare more accessible. Shane Strum, President and CEO of Broward Health and Interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System, told South Florida Hospital News that the call center will help patients find nearby care without being hindered by cost. The system will also streamline scheduling and provide patient assistance to ensure timely care.
Better Together is not just focused on a hotline; it also plans to bring healthcare directly to neighborhoods with limited access through fixed locations and mobile health units. These units will visit places like churches and community centers, offering screenings and care. Melida Akiti, Chief Transformation Officer at Broward Health, told South Florida Hospital News that the initiative also aims to address food insecurity by working with Feeding South Florida to set up food distribution points.
The initiative will use data to track its effectiveness, focusing on reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and improving access to prenatal and maternal care. Better Together will monitor progress in real-time, ensuring its efforts are meeting the needs of the community.
