Download Printable Version

GOALS AND ACTIVITIES

The aim of this project is to increase access to preventative health care services for rural and frontier Montanans.

IPHARM provides health screening services, serves as rural ambulatory care practice site for health professional students, and also provides geriatric wellness education and testing. Service sites include community health centers, urban Indian health clinics, senior centers, community health fairs, employer screening events, reservation areas, migrant worker health clinics, and Hutterite colonies.

POPULATIONS SERVED

Residents of rural Montana statewide who lack geographic or financial access to preventative health screening. Staff have traveled to Helena, Libby, Huntly, Troy, Dillon, Lincoln, Ennis, Dutton, Stanford, Big Timber, Libby, Yaak, Missoula, Butte, Rocky Boy, Browning, Fort Peck, Florence, Chinook, Polson, and many other communities.

MAJOR PARTNERS AND FUNDERS

University of Montana College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Social Work, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Montana State University School of Nursing, Native American Center of Excellence, Missoula Urban Indian Health Center, Montana Food Bank Network, Montana Geriatric Education Center, and HRSA

MAJOR OUTCOMES

  • This program is the only known program in the United States that utilizes health professional students and university faculty to travel to communities in need of these services.
  • Provides preventative screening to thousands of residents each year in more than 50 communities.

INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS

Utilized student volunteers. Pharmacy and other health professional students who grew up in rural communities have been great ambassadors. It is very rewarding going to communities where students grew up and watching the mutual pride between the student and community.

Collected evaluation data. We distribute outcome cards and satisfaction surveys to clients who have abnormal results during our screening events and have received many positive comments regarding our program

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

“Community engagement is vital to success.” — Donna Beall, University of Montana College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences