PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST WITH TELEHEALTH
One of the new services that we are proud to highlight is the recent launch of a pilot program to offer telehealth services to patients. Funded by a grant from Orange County Government, the program will help Grace increase access to medical care for our low-income, uninsured patients. This is something we’ve been working on for months, and has proven especially beneficial during a time where we have to limit in-office visits for the safety of both our patients and staff.
Why is telehealth important?
Accessibility. Whether it's transportation or the inability to get time off from work, there are a number of barriers that prevent our patients from seeking medical care. Telehealth helps us increase access to medical care by using Mend, a HIPAA-compliant platform that allows for virtual appointments.
Continuity of Care. Many patients who suffer from chronic illnesses (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) cannot afford to stop seeing a doctor. In recent weeks, we have rescheduled many of our patients and moved them to telehealth appointments to ensure we continue to prioritize their health and well-being.
Patient Relationships. The ongoing relationships we have with our patients doesn’t stop because we are physically apart. We want our patients to know that they are not only cared for, but respected and loved.
Many health clinics across the country are being forced to cut their services and/or close their doors. We are thankful for the ability to continue serving our community, and we’re committed to doing so for as long as we are able to during this situation.
FOOD IS MEDICINE
In February, we were fortunate to have nine UCF medical students join us weekly to teach some of our patients how to prepare healthy meals. The sessions were part of a course called Culinary Medicine taught by the UCF College of Medicine and the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
Throughout the course, students were educated by dietitians, pediatricians and chefs. Outside the classroom, they partnered with organizations like Grace to share the knowledge they learned, while highlighting the importance of health and nutrition.
On the last day of the session, the UCF students helped us prepare our monthly food boxes ― which is part of our Food is Medicine program, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and funded by the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.
Thank you to Dr. Robert Karch and UCF for your dedication to health and wellness!
