Health programs work to prevent illness and injury through a variety of measures. This includes educating the public, recommending policies and administering services. Programs can also focus on limiting health disparities, promoting healthy environments and translating research into practice. Many of these efforts are made possible by a variety of organizations including private companies, universities, foundations and philanthropic groups. A few examples include genetic disease programs, infectious disease laboratories and environmental health initiatives.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a prominent example of a national health program. Founded in 1919, the organization works to prevent disease and promotes well-being through a number of initiatives and partnerships. A few of its main areas of focus are preventing infections, identifying genetic diseases and responding to chemical threat agents. CDC is funded by the federal government and is managed through the Department of Health and Human Services.
In order to improve the health of individuals and communities, a health care system must be integrated with all levels of society. The organization strives to improve quality, access and affordability through policy, translation of research and workforce development. This can be done by integrating a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals and incorporating patient-centered medical home models. The organization also seeks to ensure that the health needs of the most vulnerable are addressed by reducing health disparities and improving health equity.
Children with complex care needs are at greater risk for poor outcomes and higher cost, and require intensive medical services requiring coordination across multiple providers and support systems to maintain health and functional independence. A growing body of evidence supports the benefits of a collaborative model of complex-care management. This model can lead to fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and may result in better adherence with prescription medications, and improvements in overall function and quality of life (TRC, 2013).
A variety of telehealth approaches are available. For instance, asynchronous telehealth allows for the transmission of recorded health information through a secure electronic communication system to a practitioner outside of real-time or live interaction. The information is then interpreted and/or transmitted to the appropriate individual or group (UWI, 2017).
Another telehealth model, called community-based telehealth, allows for real-time interaction between health professionals and individuals. The professionals are able to communicate with the patient in-person, and can assist the person in taking medication or following treatment plans. These telehealth models are often more affordable and accessible than traditional face-to-face encounters, especially for low-income patients.
Programs for children with disabilities are supported by a variety of federal programs, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Health Resources and Services Administration’s Office of Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy (DALTCP) oversees a grant program that helps community behavioral health organizations integrate their services with primary care. An evaluation of the program by DALTCP found that the model improved both physical and mental health outcomes. (HHS, 2018). The MCHB also runs a demonstration waiver for states that allows them to experiment with innovative ways of providing Medicaid-funded services for children with disabilities.