Catholic Charities Health Guardian’s Program Receives Innovation in Case Management Award at the National Case Management Conference

Published on September 23, 2015

Catholic Charities Health Guardians Program received the Innovation in Case Management Award for its cutting edge program that directly addresses high emergency room rates and hospital re admissions among the poor and vulnerable in the community by removing common barriers in accessing healthcare. The award was given Thursday, September 23rd at noon as part of the 21st Annual National Case Management Conference being held in New Orleans this week.

tom right size 2“What sets our program apart is the fact that we attend doctor’s appointments with patients,” Seema Dave, Program Director, explains why this model better serves clients. “This enables us to serve as their advocates and bridge any gaps existing between providers and patients.”

The award is given to the program with the most cutting-edge case management practices which demonstrates that their services are mobile, able to be replicated by different programs, financially feasible, and efficient. While conventional case management programs follow up only a few times with clients, Health Guardians patient-centered approach reaches out to clients several times a week and conducts home visits as well. The program’s Patient Navigators work one-on-one with individuals and families to map out a care plan leading to improved self-sufficiency in accessing care.

In receiving this award, Dave hopes that Health Guardians will have more opportunities for partnerships and that this model will gain national recognition and be implemented by other programs in assisting patients.

Health Guardians offers a comprehensive range of services such as counseling and medication management, Medicaid and Medicare application assistance, and referrals to other social service programs including substance abuse treatment of workforce development.