The White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have invited The Rapides Foundation to a gathering on Improving Health Outcomes Through Faith-Based and Community Partnerships.

This one-day event – on Tuesday, Sept. 20 – will bring together a small group of health system and foundation CEOs and staff with senior domestic health policy leaders from the White House and HHS to explore how communities are crafting the partnerships and programs that work for the good of the community.

 “The Rapides Foundation is one of the country’s leading foundations working on innovative partnerships for public health, so we wanted to include you in the day’s events to network with hospital staff and administration officials as we seek to promote these innovative models of partnership,” said Mara Vanderslice Kelly, acting director and senior adviser for HHS’ Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Joe Rosier, president and CEO of The Rapides Foundation, said he was honored to be invited, and he is looking forward to the event. About 100 people from 21 health systems were invited to attend. The Rapides Foundation is the only entity in Louisiana and one of only three Health Foundations from across the United States invited to attend. The other two foundations are the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Kansas Health Foundation.

The purpose of the meeting is to identify the models and best practices that allow local hospitals and faith and community partners to produce real improvements in health; and discuss how these models can be adapted and replicated in health systems across the country. The common thread among those invited to the meeting is an appreciation for the creative role that faith-based and community-oriented health systems play in creating alignment among what are often scattered and disconnected health assets. 
 
The Rapides Foundation will be providing updates throughout the day on its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/therapidesfoundation. Print