The Wilkes Journal-Patriot recently highlighted the training of new volunteers in Wilkes County. The effort is designed to improve health and reduce unnecessary readmissions to the hospital. The trainings were led by Renee Rutherford, who in January became FaithHealth and readmissions coordinator at Wilkes Regional Medical Center (WRMC), and by Leland Kerr of Wake Forest Medical Center.

FaithHealth is first “about getting patients the proper support and resources they need before, during and after hospitalization,” Rutherford told writer Laura Mitchell. “FaithHealth is a very vital part of the their journey on the road to healing and recovery.” She continues:

“Once patients are discharged, I personally follow up with them by phone to make sure they’re doing okay and remind them that our services are available.  So far, I think we’re making a huge impact. Right now, our 30-day readmission rate was down about 30 percent for the month of May.”

Rutherford, who serves as both a patient educator and case manager, is quick to point out that FaithHealth helps patients in addition to those seen at WRMC.

“I get referrals from our local health department, social services, physicians’ offices and other area agencies looking to connect patients to us who are in danger of falling through the cracks,” she said.

Read the entire article HERE.

Photo: Laura Mitchell in the Wilkes