WHO WE ARE

OUR AIM IS TO BE THE CONVENER, COLLABORATOR AND CHAMPION OF COMMUNITY-FOCUSED PATIENT CARE COORDINATION.

COPE is a Community Focused Health and Social Wellness Initiative.  It is

the Outreach Program for the Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services Council.   

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Income inequality and lack of access to care are the predominant drivers of poor health outcomes for many people, including many living within our community.  The ability to live a healthy, productive life is frequently driven by the complex interplay among providers, programs, and the people they are intended to serve.

The same basic set of barriers – economic disparity, culture, distrust, fear, health beliefs, income, insurance, knowledge, language, literacy, shame, and stigma, impedes each and every transition of care.

These issues are attributable to environmental factors, social-economic factors, and health behaviors which exist beyond the medical perimeter of the healthcare system and is the reason why vulnerable populations experience sicker, shorter lives and are more costly to care for.

The best solution to this complex problem is to bring together community partners to build greater capacity within our most vulnerable communities at the lowest incremental cost possible.

Our program’s structure is aligned with identified statewide initiatives from the Governor’s office as well as elements from the VDH Strategic Plan to promote public health initiatives in Virginia.