Meritus Health awarded $651,000 grant to support community health

Meritus Health has been awarded a $651,000 grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission to help address chronic diseases among older adults and people with disabilities in the community.

The grant was one of only 14 awards selected from 101 community-based projects across Maryland and is part of $7.5 million in state funding.

As part of Meritus Health's mission to improve community health, the funding will support a multi-faceted intervention to reduce preventable emergency room visits and avoidable hospitalizations, according to Michael Staley, Pharm.D., associate vice president of quality and operations at Meritus Health.

"This grant funding will help us better support some of the most vulnerable members of our community," Staley said.

Meritus will partner with the Washington County Commission on Aging to coordinate home visits and case management services. It also will help connect older adults with programs that support independence, health, and overall well-being.

Other resources available through Meritus Health include:

• Care Caller Program - A volunteer-driven program that helps reduce loneliness and social isolation by connecting community members with trained callers for regular conversations, wellness check-ins, and support.
• Courtesy Van - Provides free transportation to and from Meritus medical appointments, helping patients access care when transportation is a challenge.
• Food Farmacy - A program that uses food as medicine to support patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. Participants receive healthy foods, nutrition education, and support from dietitians.

"Healthcare does not begin and end within hospital walls," said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., president and CEO of Meritus Health. "By investing in people, partnerships, and preventive services, we can help build a healthier community for everyone."