(Lewiston, ID) Snake River Community Clinic tod ay announced it is among the awardees across the United States that received a grant from Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity, which mobilizes financial resources for organizations focused on non-clinical interventions that affect a person’s health. Commonly known as the social determinants of health, these factors include an individual’s physical, social, political, cultural, and economic environment.
“This latest round of more than $8 million in grants, made possible by generous support from MacKenzie Scott, the AbbVie Foundation, and Eli Lilly and Company, is the most recent infusion of funding for organizations deeply committed in eliminating health disparities and improving healthcare quality in their communities,” said Dr. Byron Scott, Direct Relief CEO and Co-Chair of the Fund for Health Equity. “Direct Relief is proud to support and grateful for the work they do every day.”
The funding will enable Snake River Community Clinic to set a new standard for care and create opportunities for everyone to pursue their best health through these initiatives:
- Enhance Patient Engagement: Optimization of the electronic health record (EHR) system will enable staff to focus more on patients, addressing critical social determinants of health.
- Expand Access: Extended operational hours and a revamped Prescriber’s Drug Outlet will provide vital services to underserved communities within a 100-mile radius—with plans to add advanced scanning devices and improve medication storage.
- Innovative Workforce Development: The Snake River Community Clinic serves as a service-learning site for medical students, nurses, hygienists, and pre-dental students, emphasizing leadership growth and fair compensation.
- Integration of Patient Safety Features with EHR System: New risk management policies are being established, supported by targeted training and advisory services, to ensure the highest standards of patient care.
“We are pleased our project was selected by Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity,” says Burford-Bell, Snake River Community Clinic’s Executive Director. “This is a transformative initiative that exemplifies its commitment to whole-person health and community well-being. Guided by the HEALER (Health Equity through Active Leadership and Excellence) philosophy, our organization places each patient’s unique story at the center of its care, fostering a culture where every individual is recognized as a vital part of the healing process.”
The awardees were selected by the Fund for Health Equity’s Advisory Council, which includes the following members:
- Co-Chair Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, 18th US Surgeon General of the United States, Founder Bayou Clinic, Inc.
- Co-Chair Byron Scott, MD, MBA, Direct Relief CEO
- Martha Dawson, DNP, MSN, RN, FACHE, President and CEO President of the National Black Nurses Association, Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Jane Delgado, Ph.D., MS, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health
- Gail Small, JD, Head Chief Woman, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe
“We are pleased to support Snake River Community Clinic and other grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing health equity and addressing disparities in underserved communities across the United States,” said Dr. Byron Scott, MD, MBA, Co-Chair of the Fund for Health Equity and CEO of Direct Relief. “These organizations are invaluable partners in creating lasting change because they are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, possess firsthand understanding of their needs, and are uniquely positioned to deliver impactful solutions.”
As the only free clinic in its region, Snake River Community Clinic’s relentless focus on outreach and community engagement continues to bridge health disparities. This project, now further empowered by Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity grant, reinforces SRCC’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality care—and serves as an inspiring model for communities nationwide.
