Published on June 16, 2025
Read Time: 3 Minutes
Three Things to Know
- Through its ToRCH rural health initiative, Phelps Health awarded $240,000 to Missouri Ozarks Community Action (MOCA), Compass Health Network and Four Rivers Community Health Center.
- With this funding, MOCA plans to expand its non‑medical transit service, Compass Health will establish a hospital access liaison and Four Rivers will hire a community health worker for diabetes education.
- With help from the ToRCH program and strong community partnerships, Phelps Health is working to remove barriers and build a healthier future for rural Missouri.
Phelps Health has awarded $240,000 through the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) program – a rural health initiative sponsored by Missouri's HealthNet Division (Medicaid). Three partner organizations received the funds, including Missouri Ozarks Community Action ($110,902), Compass Health Network ($73,008) and Four Rivers Community Health Center ($48,750). The awards were based on alignment with ToRCH goals and projected community impact.
“This program brings together healthcare and community partners to make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Jana Cook, senior vice president and chief financial officer at Phelps Health. “It’s all about breaking down barriers to care in rural areas like ours.”
About ToRCH
The ToRCH program aims to address the causes of poor health in rural communities by combining social care supports with clinical care. ToRCH establishes community-based hubs that coordinate efforts between healthcare providers, community-based organizations (CBOs) and social service agencies.
Phelps Health leads the ToRCH program in Phelps County and oversees the program model, distributes funds and manages data reporting.
MOCA: Transportation for Lifesaving Care
Missouri Ozarks Community Action (MOCA) will use its funding to grow the MOCA Transit program, a rural public transit system that provides non-medical transportation to community members in need. The funding will support staffing, recruitment, software and equipment for drivers and insurance.
“Through ToRCH funds, MOCA has the opportunity and privilege to help those in need get to potentially lifesaving or life-improving appointments,” said Tony Shaw, MOCA county projects coordinator. “It is an honor to help your community become healthier. We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to bring MOCA Transit to the Phelps County community.”
Compass Health: Improved Follow-Up Care
Compass Health Network will use its award to establish a hospital access liaison position in Phelps County. The liaison will provide short-term support – up to 30 days – to connect individuals with recovery programs, mental health services and other local resources as they transition out of the hospital or emergency department. This licensed professional will split their time between Phelps Health Hospital and Compass Health Network to prevent re-hospitalization and reduce the risk of suicide or health setbacks.
“ToRCH allows local providers to work better together,” said Deborah Frost, vice president of corporate services at Compass Health Network. “Compass Health is excited to collaborate with the other CBOs, with Phelps Health paving the way. Our community will experience positive health outcomes from this important work.”
Four Rivers: Diabetes Education Support
Four Rivers Community Health Center will utilize its grant to hire a dedicated community health worker specializing in diabetes care. The specialist will lead educational workshops, provide one-on-one counseling and support with educational materials. The program will track the number of workshops, participant engagement and improvements in diabetes knowledge and skills.
“We’re excited to partner with Phelps Health to ensure Medicaid patients have needed access to community services,” said Stuart Gipson, chief executive officer of Four Rivers Community Health Center. “Without support, diabetes can be a debilitating disease. Through ToRCH funds, we can add to our diabetes team. This dedicated staff member will help ensure patients have the resources and skills they need to manage their diabetes well.”
Next Steps
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, contact Maya Casaregola, director of Community Health and Health Equity at Phelps Health, at (573) 458-7955. With help from the ToRCH program and strong community partnerships, Phelps Health is working to remove barriers and build a healthier future for rural Missouri.