Columbia County seeks $10,000 rural health grant to expand mobile outreach

Madison Reesman, assistant director of Columbia County Public Health, told the board Jan. 14 that she would like authorization to apply for the Oregon Office of Rural Health 'population health incubator' grant: $10,000 over a one-year period to support the county’s mobile health outreach program.

Reesman said the funds would allow the county to run more community events with the mobile unit in remote parts of the county that lack regular services and to provide screenings, immunizations and prevention work driven by the county’s community health needs assessment. She said the grant is one-time funding from April through the following March and includes technical assistance from the Oregon Office of Rural Health to help grantees develop sustainability plans.

"This program is focused on small rural areas, particularly health centers or public health departments, who are trying to get projects off the ground and really just need a little bit of support to be able to do so," Reesman said.

Commissioners discussed outreach strategies, partnerships with schools and community organizations to bring people to events, and logistical questions; staff noted that the application deadline is Jan. 23 and that the board will need to review the final application if the director does not submit it in the packet. Reesman said existing county funds and partner support would be used to supplement the grant if the project proceeds.

The board indicated support for applying; staff will return with any required follow-up materials and the final application for review if applicable.