Health information technology (HIT) is a key area of focus for RCHN Community Health Foundation. Community health centers – the local, non-profit, community-governed health care providers that serve as the health care home for for America’s medically underserved and uninsured – are the cornerstone for the delivery of high quality, comprehensive primary care. However, they have not been historically well-positioned to acquire, implement, and effectively use HIT applications.

The Foundation works to help health centers support efficient operations and excellent clinical care by helping CHCs navigate HIT and data concerns. RCHN CHF conducts and supports technology-related research – both independently and in conjunction with partner organizations, develops educational outreach and collaborative program initiatives, and advocates relevant policy change. Until August 2009, RCHN CHF maintained a substantial program related investment in Chorus, a health information technology firm that provided integrated software solutions and services developed exclusively for community health centers. Today, RCHN CHF’s commitment to ensuring quality HIT for CHCs includes partnering with public and private organizations to advance the adoption of appropriate, relevant health information technologies. Through such collaborative efforts, the Foundation aims to position community health centers, and the patients they serve, to benefit from the transformational qualities of HIT.

Dr. David Hartzband, the Foundation’s director of technology research, is dedicated to advancing the Foundation’s technology vision. In addition to conducting a formal research program focused on areas of critical importance to CHCs, Dr. Hartzband offers invaluable expertise on appropriate and relevant technologies.

Please click on one of the links to the right to read Dr. Hartzband’s columns and access his current presentations.

Columns
Community Health Forum
HIT Updates
Presentations
Reports
Choru