#United States #Nutrition #Medicaid #Umoja Health #Oswego County

A New Partnership to Improve Health Outcomes in Oswego County

In a significant step towards improving nutrition access, Umoja Food For Health has partnered with Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) to provide eligible Medicaid members with specially designed meals and grocery boxes as part of New York's 1115 Medicaid Waiver initiative. This initiative seeks to ensure that those who are eligible not only receive nutritious food but also the personalized support needed to manage their health effectively.

Understanding the Partnership

Umoja Food For Health brings to the table its expertise in delivering medically tailored grocery boxes and meals that cater to specific health needs. This new program is particularly crucial for individuals managing chronic conditions who often face barriers when it comes to accessing healthy food. By starting with a one-on-one nutrition assessment led by a registered dietitian, participants will receive a tailored nutrition plan that accounts for their unique health concerns and dietary requirements.

Chris Woods, President of Umoja Food For Health, emphasizes the life-changing impact of good nutrition, especially for those managing chronic illnesses. "Having the right food isn't just beneficial—it can dramatically enhance their daily well-being," he states. This sentiment is echoed by Kevin Dean, Executive Director of OCO, who underlines that many people struggle to access healthy foods, particularly when dealing with complex health conditions.

The Program’s Features

The partnership will provide a range of services aimed at improving health outcomes. These services include:

• - Medically tailored meals
• - Grocery boxes filled with nutritious, shelf-stable foods and fresh produce
• - Comprehensive nutrition assessments by registered dietitians
• - Ongoing support and education regarding nutrition

The goal is to provide a holistic support system that allows eligible individuals to thrive despite their health challenges.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Eligible Medicaid members in Oswego County may participate in this program under certain conditions set by New York State's 1115 Waiver. Generally, you may qualify if you are enrolled in a participating Medicaid health plan and have a chronic or high-risk condition such as:

• - Diabetes
• - Heart disease
• - Stroke
• - Lung disease
• - HIV
• - Cancer

Additionally, those with pregnancy-related nutrition-sensitive issues and certain mental or behavioral health challenges may also be eligible. To check eligibility or to enroll, individuals should reach out to OCO's intake team by calling 315-592-0807 or emailing [email protected]. After an initial contact, candidates will go through a brief intake process, including a Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) screening and eligibility assessment to confirm their suitability for the program.

Healthcare providers and community organizations are also encouraged to refer patients who might benefit from this tailored nutrition approach.

About the Organizations

Umoja Food For Health is part of Umoja Health, a nationwide leader in "Food is Medicine" solutions, working to enhance health outcomes through nutrition. This division focuses on combining medically tailored meals, registered dietitian services, nutrition education, and more to create comprehensive health solutions.

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. (OCO) is a community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of Oswego County residents through various health, nutrition, housing, and family support programs. The partnership with Umoja Food For Health marks a vital initiative in their efforts to serve the community and tackle nutrition-related health issues.

In conclusion, this partnership not only aims at filling the nutritional gap for eligible Medicaid members but also establishes a structure of support that reinforces independence, health, and community strength among residents. As the program rolls out, its impact on the overall health of the community is anticipated to be profound and far-reaching.