Koinonia Receives Critical Home-Based Nursing Grant From Medical Mutual of Ohio
Funding to help reduce health-care disparities among the developmentally disabled
CLEVELAND, June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of individualized residential services for adults with developmental disabilities, was awarded a $150,000 grant from Medical Mutual of Ohio to fund essential nursing services in community-based homes. The grant will be distributed in $50,000 increments over a three-year period.
Recent studies indicate that people with developmental disabilities are particularly susceptible to disparities in health care, including access to care providers, specialized treatment, long-term care and disease prevention.
Because Koinonia homes are residential and not institutional, they require specialized nursing coordination that includes managing health-care providers, doctors' appointments, treatments, transportation and passing medications – all within unique home settings.
More than 450 individuals rely on Koinonia for health-care services and care coordination among 60 residential locations in Northeast Ohio. This grant will immediately support the care coordination not covered by government assistance for 130 people.
"Medical Mutual of Ohio quickly recognized that enhancing nursing services for individuals in community-based homes is the most effective way to ensure continuity of care among all of our residents," said Koinonia President and CEO Diane Beastrom. "Their generous support has enriched the lives of many people in need."
This summer, Koinonia will seek an additional $100,000 per year to fund care coordination and address other critical needs among its residents. The organization has long been distinguished for its community-based homes and individualized care, as well as day, vocational, and employment services.
"We have long recognized our responsibility and role in making Ohio a better place to live," said Jared Chaney, Medical Mutual executive vice president and chief communications officer. "Koinonia is one of many outstanding organizations we actively support in helping to provide quality care and well-being for Ohioans."
"This issue really is about quality of life," Beastrom said. "We feel very strongly that our residents have the right to live in residential settings within their communities, while still maintaining high standards of health care."
About Koinonia Homes
Koinonia (coin-o-nee-yah) is a leading provider of individualized and residential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization serves more than 450 people with a staff of approximately 500 professionals in 21 licensed group homes, 50 supported living arrangements and two facilities that provide day activities and vocational and career services. Funding for Koinonia is supported largely through government agencies including Medicaid and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities; private pay clients and donations from individuals and corporations.
Media Contact: Joe Mosbrook
216.375.2141
[email protected]
www.koinoniahomes.org
Photos available upon request
SOURCE Koinonia Homes
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