L.S. Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation

We are grateful for the partnerships and ideas shaping the future of equitable healthcare and expanding access to clinical trials in rural and tribal communities.

Did you know that 53% of Montanans live in rural areas and Montana has a population density of 6.9 people/mile. Rurality poses unique challenges in providing healthcare throughout our state. How can we ensure healthcare innovations reach every corner of Montana? What role can technology, like telehealth, play in bridging the gap? How do you think we can empower rural communities to improve health outcomes? Join the conversation and share your thoughts! Let’s work together.

At the Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation, we are dedicated to advancing health equity across Montana through education, research, and outreach. Our efforts include: - Interprofessional telehealth initiatives to improve access to team-based care. - Precision medicine innovations with pharmacogenomics and implementation science. -Expansion of rural health outreach programs to address underserved communities. Together, we’re building a healthier future for Montana.

🚀 Last week, our Rocky Mountain REACH team launched Commercialization Basics, a new interview series aimed at demystifying the commercialization process for academic researchers. Tune in to conversations with innovators and experts to explore: - Why commercialization is a viable pathway for researchers - Key steps to turn discoveries into impactful products - How to navigate intellectual property, funding, and partnerships - The support and resources available for academic entrepreneurs

Collaborative Partnerships: SIHI leads the way in building regional partnerships between local health systems, providers, and researchers to create tailored solutions. By working together, we can develop innovative delivery models that empower patients and enhance research capacity in underserved areas.

Erica Woodhl, professor in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Montana, shares the importance of hearing from different stakeholders to understand both the challenges and opportunities of conducting clinical research in rural and tribal communities. Access to research is a critical component of patient care.

With powerful discussions, patient stories, and insights from experts, the Pathways Health Equity event highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities in rural healthcare. Together, we’re advancing health equity and paving the way for more inclusive clinical research.

Reflecting on the Pathways to Health Equity Symposium, attendees noted the value of presence: leaning into conversations and working to truly understand individuals. They emphasized the importance of engaging with empathy and respect, recognizing that every person’s experience deserves care and consideration. It is about creating spaces for connection, where every conversation brings greater awareness and initiates meaningful change in healthcare access.

The Pathways to Health Equity Symposium may be over but the work has only just begun. This event was a launchpad for ongoing work to address health inequities in our rural and tribal communities. Every connection made and every story shared at the symposium is a step toward a healthier, fairer future.

Health Equity in the news! Thank you NBC Montana for covering this year's Pathways to Health Equity Symposium. Check out coverage on how our speakers and sessions are sparking real change in health equity. https://lnkd.in/gyEHawxG