Phelps Health presented a check for $30,000 to the St. James Senior Center at the ToRCH Community Partnership meeting held December 11. The Senior Center, which provides services and programs to support the wellbeing, independence and community engagement of area seniors, plans to use the funds to expand its current services and reach more people in the community.

The funds were granted through the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) program—a rural health initiative sponsored by Missouri's HealthNet Division (Medicaid). Recipients are chosen based on their alignment with ToRCH goals and potential community impact.

“By working alongside our community partners, this program helps reduce barriers to care and ensures people in rural areas have access to the support and services they need,” said Jana Cook, senior vice president and chief financial officer at Phelps Health.

ToRCH was created to improve the health of rural communities by combining clinical and social care to address the underlying causes of poor health in rural areas. ToRCH establishes community-based hubs that coordinate efforts between healthcare providers, community-based organizations (CBOs) and social service agencies.

Phelps Health leads the ToRCH program in Phelps County and oversees the program model, distributes funds and manages data reporting.

Learn about Phelps Health's other partner organizations at phelpshealth.org.