A Multidisciplinary Approach to Addressing Rural Health Disparities via the Formation of the Integrative Health and Wellness Network of the Rural Finger Lakes: The Planning Stage

Objective: Develop a plan to formulate a rural health network to address lack of access to primary care, dental, chiropractic and acupuncture for the rural population of southern Seneca and northern Yates Counties to attempt to improve health disparities. Methods: The key participants in this network are New York Chiropractic College, Rushville Health Center, and Seneca County Health Department who hope to address health disparities by emphasizing primary care, wellness and prevention strategies through the integration of services from medical, dental, nutrition, acupuncture and chiropractic fields. The inclusion of CAM therapies within the integrated choice of care model will address structural (shortage of primary/preventive care providers) and personal (diversities of culture, values, and beliefs of Amish, Mennonites) barriers by facilitating access to a range of health care providers. To create the plan, monthly meetings were held for a one year period in which all partners provided input toward network organization. Results: At the end of one year, strategic, business, operational plans, memorandum of understanding and over arching development plan (ODP) will be finalized and approved by the network. The network expects to pursue additional federal, state, and private funding to implement all aspects of their strategic plan. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary team including chiropractic and acupuncture was planned that may help address chronic public health concerns of the rural populations.