(HOWARD, SD) – Horizon Health was the recipient of two quality improvement badges from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of its Health Center Program. The badges recognize achievements in clinical quality and health information technology.
The silver badge indicates that Horizon is among the top tier of community health centers nationwide. To earn the badge Horizon performed in the top 11-20% of health centers in clinical quality measures. The achievement reflects Horizon’s strong performance across those quality measures and its continued efforts to improve patient health outcomes.
Clinical quality measures track patient experience, outcomes and organizational structure, to assess and improve the quality of care.
“As a Federally Qualified Health Center, our mission is not only to treat illness but to ensure access to primary and preventative care for all,” Horizon CEO Wade Erickson said. “This recognition is a testament to how well we are fulfilling that mission – and a clear signal that we are providing top-tier care to our communities.”
Horizon provides care to anyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Its mission is to provide rural communities with access to high-quality, affordable primary health care services.
In addition to the silver badge, HRSA awarded Horizon a badge for Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT). To get this badge, health centers must offer telehealth services, exchange clinical information online with key providers’ health care settings, engage patients using HIT and collect data on patients’ health-related needs. Horizon offers telehealth services when providers are absent or unable to get to the clinic in person due to weather. It allows patients to keep appointments and receive care when they need it most. Teledentistry is available at all seven of Horizon’s dental clinics and is used to assess a patient’s oral health if a provider is not on site daily. Behavioral health services are offered almost exclusively via telehealth at Horizon. Patients can see a behavioral health professional in a clinic setting or at home to ensure needs are met in a confidential manner that builds trust and a comfort level that allows for successful outcomes.
Erickson recognized the hard work and dedication of Horizon staff in achieving both badges.
“The overall excellence of our clinical and HIT teams are the foundation for this achievement,” he said. “Whether they are providing care on the front lines, supporting patients behind the scenes, or driving quality initiatives forward, each person has contributed meaningfully to this success. This recognition belongs to the entire Horizon Health family.”
To receive either of these badges, community health centers achieved notable quality improvement achievements for the 2024 reporting year. Community health centers like Horizon serve over 34 million people in the United States per year using the model of coordinated comprehensive and patient-centered care.