One Care of Southwest Virginia, Inc.
NEWS AND MEDIA RELEASES
“ONE CARE” RECEIVES $100,000 CHALLENGE GRANT FROM
PURDUE PHARMA TO HELP JUMP-START HEALTH CARE PROGRAM
Grant to fund new system that will bring health care to thousands of Virginians who have no insurance.
ABINGDON, Va. (October 6, 2003) — A $100,000 challenge grant from Purdue Pharma, L.P. will assist “One Care” of Southwest Virginia, Inc. in implementing a new system that will bring health care to the 154,000 citizens of Southwest Virginia who have no insurance or who are underinsured. “One Care” will link all social service agencies, both pubic and private, in the large, multi-county region of Virginia’s ninth district. This link will eliminate the need to fill out numerous applications that often represent a barrier to getting health care services.
“Purdue Pharma is a wonderful example of a responsible private sector partner that is willing to work with communities to improve quality of life. We are grateful and excited about the opportunity this will give us to move the dream of One Care another step closer to reality,” said Aleta Spicer, One Care of Southwest Virginia.
“Virginia One Care is going to be one of the best things that has ever happened to the people of Southwest Virginia because there are so many people in need,” said Del. Jackie Stump (D), House District 3. “We appreciate everyone involved for looking out for our great people by giving this special grant. I certainly wish this endeavor the best and look forward to working with them.”
COSMOS, a new electronic web-based referral system, will provide a port of entry for citizens with unmet health and human services needs. Developed by Virginia Tech, Washington and Bristol Departments of Social Services and People, Inc., COSMOS will be used as an intake, assessment, tracking and referral system. Purdue Pharma, the initial corporate partner, is lending its Information Technology expertise to the planning and development of the system. Of the $100,000 challenge grant, $50,000 is an in-kind contribution of professional services that will help launch “One Care.”
“It has been our experience that when private enterprise links up with government and the nonprofit sector, things can really change for the better. We are optimistic that One Care will facilitate improved delivery of social services for those in Virginia who need them most,” said Robin Hogen, Vice President of Public Affairs, Purdue Pharma.
“I truly appreciate the lengths to which our community has gone to help Southwest Virginia families get the health care coverage that they need,” said Del. Terry G. Kilgore (R), House District 1. “I am excited about the grant provided by Purdue Pharma to help this organization get off the ground and I look forward to working with everyone involved on this important project.”
Incorporated in August 2003, “One Care” of Southwest Virginia, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. Its mission “To create a system of care providing 100% access and zero disparity for the minds, bodies and spirits of the residents of Southwest Virginia” is supported by an incorporating board of eight members and an additional 41 public and private partners. Through “One Care,” an electronic web-based referral system provides a link between public and private social service agencies eliminating the need for multiple applications, which is a common barrier to getting needed health care services. The project focuses on the needs of patients, not any one provider or program.
For More Information, Contact:
Aleta Spicer
276-889-0290
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