At Pillars Community Health we rely on a wide variety of funding sources to ensure that area residents can access “the care they need, when they need it”. As we have addressed the needs for physical, behavioral health, and social services during the coronavirus pandemic we quickly pivoted to provide in-person care, telehealth and other virtual services. The positive reception to these services demonstrates the importance of multiple service delivery methods to help increase access to services and engagement across all of our service lines. However, our target population which includes low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals and families, as well as those experiencing homelessness, often from racial and ethnic groups experiencing barriers to care, are in danger of being left out of these virtual connections. The cost of technology and regular connectivity can be a barrier to care, as well as lack of secure and confidential living space to engage with a provider.
We’re grateful for the support of Senator Tammy Duckworth in helping secure a $345,000 grant of Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending Projects funds for telehealth support. Pillars Community Health is investing this funding, along with other grant support, to build the necessary foundation for safe and secure services delivered via telehealth and in our communities. This includes constructing Telehealth Suites at each PCH location. Each site will accommodate 1-3 suites, configured as private space for patients to access telehealth visits with our medical, dental, and behavioral health providers, and provide access for virtual specialty care consult at the location that is most convenient for them.