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IPHARM: Still on the Road
ImProving Health Among Rural Montanans (IPHARM), The University of Montana’s state-wide wellness testing program, has come a long way since it’s inception in 2003, both figuratively and literally. The program started as a one-year, federally funded demonstration project serving seven rural counties is northeastern Montana. At that time, in addition to providing wellness screenings, IPHARM’s focus was to provide adult immunizations and improve access for healthcare providers to the latest drug and health information. This was accomplished with an RV specially outfitted with satellite communications. However, with changes in technology and the availability of high-speed satellite internet, this service was no longer needed, and IPHARM’s focus shifted to providing wellness screening anywhere in the state that there is a need.
While the program is no longer confined to the IPHARM RV, we are still piling up the miles to serve rural areas of Montana. IPHARM traveled about 9725 miles to host IPHARM events in 2006, for a cumulative total of over 40,000 miles in the 4 years we have operated. This past year, IPHARM conducted over 1170 wellness screening on more than 845 clients at 34 events. These events took place all over the state, some as close as University Center, some as far away as Jordan (1086 miles, round trip). The size of the population served has been as varied as the geography; IPHARM events have ranged from serving as many as 165 people to as few as 2 people.
IPHARM events are now held in many different community venues. Senior Centers have been the most popular site, with community pharmacies and University settings tied for a close second place.
IPHARM provides testing for:
Bone density (osteoporosis screening)
Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screening)
Total cholesterol panel
Blood pressure
Not all tests are provided at every event. IPHARM tailors which tests are provided to the needs of the community being served. Bone density screening, which comprised slightly greater than 51% of the tests provided last year, is still the most popular test. Cholesterol screening made up about 30% of the tests, while hemoglobin A1c comprised about 20% of the tests conducted in 2006. There is a nominal charge (currently $10.00) for each test, which can be waived due to inability to pay.
To host an IPHARM event, the site needs to be accessible and big enough to hold 2 to 4 folding tables with chairs. To schedule an event, or for more information on IPHARM, contact Barbara Arnold, IPHARM clinical specialist, at (406) 243-2339, or barbara.arnold@umontana.edu.