FORT DRUM:Army Strong, AHEC Healthy

Richard K. MerchantNorthern Area Health Education Center,

Inc.2010 NAO Conference

Session Overview

• Situation• Problem• Solution• Team• Outcomes• Recommendations

Mobilization and training of over 80,000 troops annually.

107,265 Square Acres (434 km2)

10th Mountain Division: The most deployed group of men and women in the United States Army

Ambulatory primary care for soldiers and dependents. Includes dental and behavior

health services.

Fort Drum is the only U.S. installation of its size NOT to have a hospital within its boundaries.

Problem

Problem

Problem

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Problem

Problem

Areas of healthcare priority:

• TBI

• PTSD

• Orthopedics, Prosthetics, and Rehabilitation

• Families

Problem

Critical healthcare workforce shortages:

• Behavioral Health

• Nursing

• Primary Care: Physicians and Physician Extenders

Solution A military – community partnership that joins

the Army medical treatment facility with community providers to augment the primary care capability with specialty care and inpatient services.

Congressman John McHugh 2006

FDRHPO

Congressionally approved pilot program calling for the formation of a platform to analyze the existing healthcare delivery options and to identify and/or create new opportunities for leveraging healthcare resources to meet the needs of the expanding military population in the region.

FDRHPO Mission

Through collaborative efforts, plan and evaluate quality to ensure quality healthcare services are provided to meet the needs of the Military Mission by enhancing our response to the military community while building a strong North Country healthcare system. To accomplish this, we will utilize available and develop necessary resources working jointly and cooperatively.

Solution

Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization

Solution

Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization

FDRHPO Board of Directors

FDRHPO ORGANIZATION Standing

Committees

FDRHPO - NAHEC

NAHEC

•SHARED MISSION•SHARED PARTNERSHIPS•SHARED STAFF•SHARED PROGRAMS•SHARED WORK LOAD•SHARED OUTCOMES

FDRHPO - NAHEC

Charge: long-term healthcare workforce recruitment

• Outreach• Community-Based Programs• Development and support of Clinical Training

Programs• Continuing Education and Professional

Development

FDRHPO - NAHEC

• Entered a three-year contract in 2007; extended in 2010

• Agreed outcomes for the project

• Shared staffing (2FTE)

• Mutual reporting systems

FDRHPO - NAHEC

Funding:

• Federal Appropriations

• County Board of Legislators

• Community Foundation

Outcomes

• More than doubled outreach numbers

• Tripled community-based programs

• Immeasurable community awareness enhancement

Outcomes

• Satellite training programs: FNP, PNP, RT, BSW - so far….

• Activated BSN and extended RN training programs

• Reinstated two important clinical training support programs – travel and lodging

Outcomes

Recommendations

• AHECs are uniquely positioned to work with U.S. military installations in efforts to coordinate healthcare services and establish a pipeline for practicing healthcare professionals

• Seek out opportunities to provide expertise