CHAMBER UPDATES
Discussing How the Better Outcomes Thru Bridges Program Promotes Wellness during The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County Forum Forum with Daniel Schram, Emergency Department Outreach Specialist Sponsored by: Providence Health & Services
During the April Forum, attendees learned about Providence’s Better Outcomes Thru Bridges (BOB) Behavioral Health Program, and how it helps the most vulnerable people in the community. According to Daniel Schram, the Emergency Department Outreach Specialist with Providence, the BOB team meets clients wherever they are on their journey and walks alongside them as they encounter and overcome obstacles. “We work with people in bad situations and on their worst days,” said Schram, “but our goal is to empower them toward better wellbeing.” In his work, Schram receives patient referrals from doctors, nurses and other medical staff. The people he works with have had a behavioral health concern and visited the emergency department a certain number of times within a specific period. Schram works with them for up to 90-180 days. In addition to helping his clients make positive changes and foster relationships with community partners, Schram also views himself as a “broker of services”, and refers people to the programs which best suit their circumstances. “Some of the local agencies I’ve worked with are La Clinica, AllCare, Mercy Flights and many others,” he said. Schram explained that one of the unique things about his position is that he meets clients where they are at, literally and figuratively. “I go to the homeless camps, the park, or wherever the person is who needs help,” he said. For Schram, a central part of his job is defining — and redefining — success in each case. “I believe the BOB program is successful because there’s an understanding that the person is often traumatized, and we treat them with dignity and respect.” Schram then shared stories about some of his clients. One example was a 42-year-old man named “Mitch”, who had an alcohol dependence and had been homeless for seven years. When Schram first encountered Mitch,
he contacted his family and secured him an appointment to enter a detox program. However, Mitch’s “friend” from the streets didn’t want Mitch to go into detox and convinced him not to do it. This was disappointing for Schram, but he decided to pivot. Instead, he helped Mitch get treatment for his hepatitis, which he
considered a small win and a positive step forward. Today, Mitch is back in Louisiana with his family and doing well. After sharing his case studies, Schram said those six people accounted for 253 emergency department encounters in 12 months. Engaging with these patients through the program and getting them the help they need also takes some of the pressure off the emergency room staff, giving them more time and resources to help others. “This program has so many residual benefits,” he said. “Not only does it help the patient, but also their friends and family, the hospital workers, the criminal justice system, and our entire community.” n
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The Business Review | March 2024
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