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GrowRural Health  

In 2022, our team launched a new stream titled GrowRural Health. This stream specifically looks for teams with innovative ideas and solutions to improve the health landscape in rural communities. This stream will follow the same application as Build2Scale house and program founders will also be given mentorship, financial support and a network of people that will guide your venture to success. 

In an effort to better capture the whole of the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington (KFLA) region, DDQIC expanded our programming, to narrow in on the specific opportunities and challenges of health in the rural sector. Over 80 percent of Kingston is considered rural, and the sector has specific needs and opportunities.

Besides launching the new stream, we wanted to hear from the community on how to best support. To start the conversation, our team interviewed 15 key stakeholders and community members of the KFL&A region. Then we held some workshops and committee meetings to further collaborate.

January 19, 2022: Rural Health Innovation in the KFL&A Region: Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges/Opportunities identified:

• Inequities in access to care;
• Scarcity of adequate and supportive housing;
• Communication and the digital divide;
• Inadequate access and availability of transportation services; and
• Unjust financial barriers both for the physician and patient.

March 29, 2022, Rural Health Innovation In the KFLA Region: Continuing the Conversation with David Townsend

• Learn how the concept of the health home is changing the way healthcare connects and communicates.
• Gain insight into how compassionate communities are providing much-needed support to patients and caregivers.

May 24, 2022 Innovating Together for Better Health with the FLA-OHT

Learn about:

• Frontenac Lennox and Addington Ontario Health Team that is transforming our local health-care system through innovations in digital health and integrated care models
• Opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs to collaborate with the FLA OHT on this transformation journey
• Opportunities for innovation to address rural health challenges

December 6 2022 Rural Health Innovation Ecosystem Mapping Meeting

• We convened around 20 community members from the KFLA region, including innovators and rural community and healthcare leaders. The main objective of this session with stakeholders was to develop a Rural Health Innovation Ecosystem Map solely focused on Transportation. Together, we mapped physical assets, initiatives, working groups, and institutions across the region.

January 31, 2023: Rural Health Transportation Solutions Exploration Meeting

• DDQIC and community participants gathered again to assess the Rural Health Transportation Ecosystem Map created on December 6th. Several groups were identified as actively working on impactful solutions in this area, with PORCH (Portable Outreach Care Hub) being a key player.
• PORCH is a repurposed RV designed to deliver mental and physical health services to vulnerable individuals in need of care. The group held an initial discussion with PORCH, who expressed interest in attending future meetings to showcase their initiative and explore potential collaborative opportunities. This partnership promises to be highly advantageous, as it can bring diverse perspectives and contribute to the ongoing dialogue.

March 3 & April 21, 2023: PORCH Collaboration Discussion Meetings

• DDQIC & community partners convened to hear PORCH present their initiative and engage in a dialogue about potential support and collaboration opportunities.

Key points from the March 3 meeting:

• PORCH's operational details: on the road 4 days a week, stationed at Integrated Care Hub, and visiting Tiny Homes

• Expansion efforts: reaching rural youth in partnership with Maltby One Roof Project, seeking additional partners, locations, and staff

• Event collaboration: open to partnering for one-time events and adapting RV to meet community needs if feasible

• Innovation focus: exploring new ways to reach marginalized individuals and seeking a dedicated person to facilitate discussions

• RV capabilities: equipped with fresh water and waste water containment systems, as well as an onboard generator

Key points from the April 21 meeting:

• Leadership needs: PORCH highlighted the need for a central coordinator or leader to spearhead their initiative. This person or organization would manage the overall strategy, coordinate with different stakeholders, and drive the initiative forward

• Communication and grant proposals: The need was expressed for someone to develop a communication strategy to effectively share their message and mission. In addition, they need assistance with grant proposals to secure the necessary funding for their projects

• Community building: Building strong relationships with communities and stakeholders is a priority for PORCH. They seek assistance cultivating these relationships and fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among different parties

• Collaborative approach: PORCH underscored their dependence on collaboration, reiterating their openness to work with various partners in achieving their mission

• Gratitude for meetings: PORCH expressed their appreciation for the past two meetings with DDQIC and community partners, noting that they were very helpful in generating ideas and identifying the right people to connect with for

Oct 19, 2023 - Rural Health Ignition Cafe

• Ignition Café is Kingston’s go-to monthly meet-up for anyone looking to meet like-minded change-makers, share ideas & collaborate. For October, the theme is Rural Health Innovation!
• After meeting virtually for 2 year, we were finally able to connect in-person and network.
• Members provided lighniting talks to highlight their initiatives
  • Meghan O'Leary & Katherine Cooper: (Portable OutReach Care Hub)
  • Teresa Purzner: Queen’s Brain Tumor Program
• The idea was to develop fruitful connections to continue the rural health collaborations.

If you are interested in collaborating with us about Rural Health Innovation, please email innovation.centre@queensu.ca