Florida Models and Innovations

These stories feature model programs and successful rural projects that can serve as a source of ideas. Some of the projects or programs may no longer be active. Read about the criteria and evidence-base for programs included.

Other Project Examples

HealthStreet Cognitive Screening Project
Added March 2020

• Need: Because of the benefits associated with early identification of conditions causing memory problems, Florida's rural populations will benefit from access to screening for possible Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementia.
• Intervention: A state university uses a state health department grant to develop a cognitive impairment screening program implemented by rural Community Health Workers. An additional grant provides rural medical practitioners with a free online continuing education module covering cognitive impairment and dementia.
• Results: To date, over 400 individuals have completed health screenings and over 900 referrals have been made to community social and medical services. At grant cycle completion, formal analysis of cognitive screening and referral to medical services will be shared.

CommunityHealth IT Network
Updated/reviewed July 2018

• Need: Rural communities in Florida often lack enough financial and technical support to fully implement health information technology (HIT) within their healthcare practices.
• Intervention: The Rural Health Partnership of North Central Florida founded a Florida nonprofit organization that helps rural providers across the nation understand the benefits, risks, and opportunities of HIT while providing the means to invest in HIT programs.
• Results: CommunityHealth IT has a presence in 66 Florida locations and 140 medical and behavioral health providers are exchanging patient data. This network has provided 306,656 Florida patients with data since their founding in 2011.