Healthcare Technology Featured Article

May 23, 2012

Clackamas County Oregon Launches New Healthcare Initiative


2011 was the year of healthcare reform. In August of last year, Clackamas County, Oregon launched an innovative new program to help improve the lines of communication between physical and mental health patients and care providers. The program, called mHealth or mobile health, uses text messages to keep in touch with clients who manage chronic conditions such as mental illness or diabetes. Cell phones and the mobile platform, on which the initiative runs, were provided by a partner, GenerationOne, a private mobile healthcare technology company.

Recently the mHealth program received national recognition from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) by receiving the Model Practice Program Award in February of 2012. NACCHO's Model Practices Program Award honors and recognizes local and regional health practices across the nation to promote innovation among local health departments.

"We are always looking for new ways to improve the health of our community," said Cindy Becker, Director of Clackamas County H3S. "Projects like mHealth are an example of how we can use new technologies and creative thinking to help people make better choices, manage their own health, and improve their lives."

Mobile technology plays a critical role in the future of health care. GenerationOne's collaboration with a regional health care network such as the one in Clackamas County demonstrates what is possible when private and government sector care providers work together toward a common goal. Clackamas County is looking to expand the mHealth program to include more chronic illnesses and support programs in both its Primary Care and Behavioral Health clinics.

The mHealth program is unique in its blending of mobile technology and the healthcare industry. While many regional healthcare networks utilize technology as a portal for communication between care providers and their clients, this is the first such program to utilize a mobile solution for that communication.




Edited by Brooke Neuman
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