After 5 Years of Collaboration See RHRC & COMC’s Successes

By Bre Chamley Strategic Communications Specialist University of Missouri | Rural Health Research Center

The Rural Health Research Center (RHRC) partnered with Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC) in 2020 when they received funding from the Missouri Partnership to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening. COMC is one of eight Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that receive practice facilitation from RHRC. Practice facilitation is a strategy used in health care to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes.

By recognizing the real-world challenges clinic staff face, facilitators promote collaboration and shared problem-solving to strengthen patient care. They provide technical assistance to primary clinics, guiding the implementation of evidence-based strategies to boost colon cancer (CRC) screening rates. This support is offered through face-to-face meetings and video conferencing.

Through educational retreats, data-driven insights and discussions on screening rates, RHRC equips COMC staff with effective tools to improve patient care. To enhance accessibility, RHRC has developed at-home FIT screening instructions with larger text, clear visuals and multiple language options.

Beyond education, RHRC has created infographics, pocket cards and exam room reminders to reinforce screening awareness for COMC clinics. RHRC also provides quarterly data reports and annual chart reviews to monitor each clinic and clinicians’ progress. The regional safety net resource guide RHRC developed ensures rural communities have access to critical care. And for a creative outreach effort, RHRC even introduced a giant inflatable colon to make CRC screening more engaging.

While COMC has achieved meaningful progress as an organization, it’s their dedicated employees who truly stand out. Recently, Desirae Kelley, a community health worker at COMC, was honored with the Rural Community Health Worker of the Year award. Learn more about Kelley and her incredible contributions to COMC by clicking the link below.

This article originally appeared in the Pulaski County Weekly Thursday, April 10, 2025