Committee Membership
Harrington takes pride in being involved in community groups, organizations and programs that benefit our patients and their families. We are dedicated to helping improve health and wellness for Southern Worcester County, as well as keep our staff educated on emergency preparedness, quality improvement and other aspects of healthcare.
Below are just some of the programs in which we participate:
CHNA (Community Health Network Area)
The CHNA5 began in 1992, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The CHNA5 is the designated Community Health Network for Brimfield, Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Wales, Warren, Webster and West Brookfield. The original purpose of the CHNA5 was to work closely with local health care agencies and providers though active networking and sharing of information and resources.
Since 2007, the CHNA5 has written new Operating Principals, established a Steering Committee and has increased its General Membership so that once again it is fulfilling its original purpose and much more. Our accomplishments over the last two2 years include receiving a Health Foundation Grant to complete a Health Assessment of our 15 CHNA5 communities. The Health Assessment is being distributed throughout the communities. The Health Foundation Grant has also funded a website that is due to be launched officially in late 2009.
Emergency Preparedness (Chaired)
Patient/Family Education (Chaired)
Tri-EPIC (Chaired)
Harrington Hospital has always worked with local agencies to improve the emergency systems response so that help can be provided as quickly as possible. In the aftermath of 9-11, with community concern about biological terrorism and violence, the hospital took a leadership role and became host to a coordinated effort of local police, fire and other emergency response services.
Local towns came together in a joint meeting with political leaders, health care personnel and members of the Commonwealth Emergency Management Team to review risks, evaluate our abilities and learn to coordinate our responses. With a new urgency to study possible biological and chemical accidents and potential threats of terrorism, the hospital accepted yet another vital community service.
Our efforts helped to create the Tri-Epic Group – this initial effort was one of the first in Massachusetts and is now used as a model for other communities in the state. The group has provided numerous training sessions and through grant funding. As it develops, Tri-Epic will grow to include even more community based organizations and will become the driving force for preparedness and community response.