February 11, 2020

Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412

The County’s innovative WE CARE Initiative is intended to reduce emergency department transfers for frequent 911 callers

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is announcing the WE CARE Initiative on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, in partnership with the Howard County Health Department and the Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS). WE CARE stands for Wellbeing Education by Community Advocates Right in your Environment and will provide classes and programming for residents who have frequently used the emergency department for healthcare services. The initiative will be focused on the 7070 and 7080 Cradlerock Way apartment complex residents who have been identified as frequent and high-risk health individuals.

“This initiative is an important step in removing barriers to care and providing resources directly to residents who need it the most, ensuring they are healthy and thriving,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “WE CARE will not only reduce emergency room visits, but also educate individuals on how to manage chronic conditions, manage pain, and improve nutrition – all critical resources necessary to improve our resident’s quality of life.”

Howard County Health Department (HCHD) conducted a needs assessment survey of the residents to identify health issues and to determine needs for health education and/or service programs. Based on survey results, residents identified needs for education on nutrition and healthy eating habits, and resources for coping with sadness and loneliness, improving strength/balance, and managing pain. HCHD’s WE CARE initiative will provide evidence-based programs, in coordination with HCGH and DCRS, at the Cradlerock locations to improve resident health in identified needs.
 
The initiative will train and employ lay community advocates, representing Korean, Chinese, Persian, and Russian populations at Cradlerock, to deliver care coordination and trusted support for this resident group. Onsite programs began in January 2020.

WHAT:           
WE CARE Initiative Launch       
               
WHEN:           
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:        
Cradlerock Apartments/Parkview Community Room
7070 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD, 21045

WHO:            
Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive
Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer
Jackie Scott, Administrator, Department of Community Resources and Services
Christiana Rigby, District 3 Councilmember
Steve Snelgrove, Howard County General Hospital President

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