United Way helps reduce hospital stays

Posted Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012 0 comments  Print Reprints
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Since 2010, United Way and the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of Tarrant County have worked closely with local hospitals to reduce hospital readmissions. The Texas Department of State Health Services estimates that preventable hospitalizations cost Tarrant County taxpayers and families $2.2 billion in 2006-2010. (See: "Local hospitals penalized by Medicare for readmissions," Sept. 30)

United Way's Live Well initiative has implemented an array of community-based programs proven to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and delay nursing home placements.

More than 11,000 people have been screened or participated in these programs since 2010. For the 1,009 older adults who received in-home diabetes and nutrition counseling during the past year, there was a 30 percent reduction in hospital admissions.

United Way and the AAA look forward to continuing our work to ensure 30,000 Tarrant County residents with chronic diseases remain healthy at home by 2020.

-- Tim McKinney, CEO, United Way of Tarrant County, Fort Worth

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