At the Tuesday, March 14 Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Joel Anderson, who represents the East County communities of District 2, introduced an agenda item aimed at reducing hospital readmission rates for rural San Diego County residents. This motion passed unanimously.

“Today’s action will proactively improve health outcomes for those living in the rural areas in my district, particularly vulnerable seniors who are home bound and don’t have access to transportation. The data shows us that rural residents have concerning rates of readmissions to the hospital after being discharged—so this program will support geographic equity by ensuring an equal distribution and delivery of health services throughout the County to those who need it,” shared Anderson.

Anderson’s board letter directed the County to create a pilot program, in partnership with the Grossmont Healthcare District, that would dedicate a public health nurse to perform home visits after someone who lives in the rural parts of our County has left the hospital. Since rural residents have seen a recent increase in readmission rates, contrasted with urban neighborhoods’ recent decrease, this pilot program aims to provide clinical discharge support to those most likely to be readmitted.

The County of San Diego’s Fire department would also send a firefighter or paramedic with the nurse, to review living conditions and safety hazards in the residence and link them to existing County programs that promote safety.

If the pilot program is successful in reducing readmission rates in its first year, the County will explore the feasibility of expanding the program to other rural zip codes and partnering with additional healthcare entities. While the County will be looking at existing Behavioral Health Services funding and resources, the County also accepted $60,000 from Grossmont Healthcare District (pictured above) for this program as part of today’s board motion.

Photo credit: Grossmont Healthcare District