Pathways to Wellness, a chronic illness demonstration project that provides intensive case management to individuals who are heavy users of health and behavioral health services, has received a Platinum Point Award presented jointly by Dorland Health and the Commission for Case Manager Certification. Out of 6 finalists, this collaborative project is the winner of The Disease Management/Population Health category which is "for the program that manages patients with chronic medical conditions in order to decrease exacerbations and improve quality of life." The Case In Point Platinum Awards is an awards program which recognizes case management departments and initiatives around the country that provide a superior level of medical management services.

The project, in which The Bridge and five partners collaborate under the lead of the Institute for Community Living, is designed to have participants enroll in a medical home in which they will receive comprehensive primary and preventive care. On average participants receive 4.2 interventions per month - with comprehensive condition-specific health education, lifestyle counseling and care management all a standard part of the patient’s wellness efforts. The hoped-for result will be improved quality of life of the participants and reduced costs of care. Pathways care managers and nurses coordinate this “feet on the street” project by reaching out to participants in Manhattan and Brooklyn, helping them manage their health and behavioral health conditions. This three-year demonstration project is an initiative of the New York State Department of Health.

Click here to read more about the awards program and to view the winners and honorable mentions of the other 24 categories.