Elizabeth Hendrickson/MDN Minot Area Community Foundation donated $20,000 to a new community initiative. Accepting the check are members from Trinity Health and the Minot Fire Department: Bottom, left to right, Brent Weber, Dusty Zimmerman, Lucas Zabka, Robin Nichols, Amanda Heim; middle, left to right, Leslie Coughlin, Staci Kenney, Stuart Hammer, Amy Thomas, Pam Hopkins, Darla Miller and Krystle Blowers; and back, left to right, Cody McManigal, Bob Weigelt, Kelli Kronschnabel, Jason Zimmerman, Ben Anderson, Stephanie Beauchamp and Kalvin Larson.

Trinity Health and the Minot Fire Department received $20,000 from the Minot Area Community Foundation on Wednesday to assist with implementing a new community initiative with the goal of bridging gaps to services after a 911 call has been made.

“Our hope is that by following up with community members we can connect them to the proper resources and reduce the number of times that an individual is having to call 911,” said Dusty Zimmerman, Trinity Health Foundation director.

Some of the steps in the process will include a home follow-up visit with a community member in which the safety of the home and the needs of the individual are assessed, connecting the individual with a care team/community resource connection, and finally follow up with the community member to ensure the needs of the individual are being met.

By following these steps the Trinity Health members and members of the Minot Fire Department hope to reduce 911 calls, reduce falls and lift assists, and reduce the traffic within the emergency room.

“We anticipate a Community Health Alliance Program to be transformative for Minot – with a goal of fostering a healthier, more resilient population by emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity and efficiency in public health initiatives.” said Sean Williams, Trinity Communications and Media strategist. “The strengths and resources from the Minot Fire Department and Trinity Health will be utilized to develop alternative pathways for non-emergency care, which can potentially reduce 911 calls and overcrowding of the emergency room.”