Washington Models and Innovations

These stories feature model programs and successful rural projects that can serve as a source of ideas. Some of the projects or programs may no longer be active. Read about the criteria and evidence-base for programs included.

Effective Examples

Health Coaches for Hypertension Control

Updated/reviewed September 2023

• Need: A cost-effective approach to help rural patients with hypertension learn to manage their condition.
• Intervention: Community volunteers trained as health coaches provided an 8-session hypertension management training program to hypertension patients older than 60, with an optional supplemental 8 sessions focused on nutrition and physical activity.
• Results: Just 16 weeks after the program, participants had improved systolic blood pressure, weight, and fasting glucose, greater knowledge of hypertension, and improved self-reported behaviors.

Other Project Examples

Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST) Program

Updated/reviewed March 2024

• Need: There is a shortage of rural physicians in the Northwestern United States.
• Intervention: University of Washington medical students are receiving training through the TRUST program in rural, underserved communities across a five-state radius.
• Results: Long-lasting connections have been formed among regional and underserved communities, medical students, and rural health professionals, with the goal of producing more rural physicians.

Premera Rural Nursing Health Initiative at the University of Washington

Added January 2024

• Need: To create rural clinical placement and postgraduate fellowship opportunities for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students and recent Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) graduates in Washington.
• Intervention: The Rural Nursing Health Initiative (RNHI), a program out of the University of Washington School of Nursing that created clinical placement opportunities for DNP students and a postgraduate fellowship program for ARNP graduates.
• Results: Rural clinical stipends have been awarded to 80 DNP students, and 12 ARNPs completed rural fellowships between 2021 and 2023.

EMS Live@Nite

Updated/reviewed September 2023

• Need: Distance, time, and cost make it difficult for EMS volunteers to attend continuing education and maintain certification.
• Intervention: Providence Health Training delivers free online training to rural EMS providers via video teleconferencing.
• Results: The EMS Live@Nite program provides free, monthly training to rural EMS providers in the northwestern part of the United States. The program is available through live video conferencing from certified locations in rural communities.

CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place—Advancing Better Living for Elders)

Updated/reviewed July 2023

• Need: To help older adults age in place.
• Intervention: For five months, CAPABLE participants receive home visits from a registered nurse, occupational therapist, and home repair services.
• Results: There are currently over 35 CAPABLE sites across the country, 11 of which are located in rural communities.

Columbia Gorge Collective Impact Health Specialist

Updated/reviewed July 2023

• Need: To address the specific health needs of north central Oregon and south central Washington.
• Intervention: The Collective Impact Health Specialist identifies community needs, convenes community partners to design initiatives that address those needs, and secures funding for health-related initiatives.
• Results: Thanks to the CIHS, the Columbia Gorge region has received $26.5 million since 2014.

Jefferson Healthcare Prescription CSA

Added July 2023

• Need: To increase food security among low-income patients living with cancer and diabetes in rural Jefferson County, Washington.
• Intervention: A local healthcare system partnered with a small organic farm to offer weekly produce boxes to eligible low-income patients.
• Results: 10 patients participated in the Jefferson Healthcare prescription CSA program in 2022. In 2023, the program grew to serve 15 patients.

Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE)

Updated/reviewed February 2020

• Need: Address oral health disparities in Washington's rural and underserved communities.
• Intervention: The University of Washington School of Dentistry developed the Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program preparing dentists for practice in rural and underserved areas.
• Results: As of 2019, 77% of all RIDE graduates are practicing in Washington state. Of those, 82% are practicing in rural and underserved communities.