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Inside this issue:

         

 In November 2007, the Utah Department of Health Center for Multicultural Health (CMH) initiated a project to compile a list of health care providers of underserved populations for the state of Utah.   In collaboration with DPR Communications and BlueCross BlueShield, CMH was able to complete the project’s initial stage this month.   This project, known as the Utah Provider List, will be accessed through the Center for Multicultural Health’s web site where it will be available to the public and services providers alike. CMH along with their collaborators believes this will improve access to health care by enabling individuals and agencies to obtain information about health care services provided from a single, reliable source.

 

The purpose of the project was to create and maintain a list of health and mental health care service providers who specifically target racial and ethnic minority, low income, and other underserved populations.  CMH is aware that a lack of information creates a barrier between those who provide and those seeking health care services.  Currently, there is no single comprehensive list of health care service providers who specifically target minority and underserved populations.  Many organizations have referral lists of their own but are usually limited to a specific geographic area and limited in size, scope, and accuracy. As a result, it may be difficult for individuals and providers who serve these populations to identify and make use of valuable resources that are currently available.

 

The Utah Provider List contains the names, addresses, phone and fax numbers, web sites, along with a brief description of services provided for health and mental health care providers throughout the state.  It is categorized by geographic region, listed by county, and organized by health care service type.  It is comprised of public and private health care providers who make their services available to underserved populations through sliding fee scales, language services, extended hours, remote and mobile locations, and many other such services that accommodate the underserved.

 

CMH is committed to update the list annually and to add and revise the list continually, as updated information about services provided becomes available.  CMH will utilize this project as an on going outreach and growing endeavor that will expand as the community of service providers grows in Utah. It is the goal of CMH to bridge the gap between those who provide services to the underserved and those who need them and thus facilitate meeting the health care needs of every citizen in Utah.

 

This list will be available soon in the CMH website.

                                                                                            Christine Espinel ,CMH Intern

 

 

             

                                                                                                                                                                

March 2008  Issue # 21

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