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A Recipe for Health Success
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According to a new study published in the journal
Health Affairs, Community Servings' medically tailored meals
reduce healthcare costs by 16 percent. The study, funded by
AARP Foundation and undertaken in partnership with
Massachusetts General Hospital and the community-based health plan
Commonwealth Care Alliance, is the first to demonstrate how providing made-from-scratch, medically tailored meals to critically and chronically ill individuals can lead to fewer costly emergency department visits and hospital admissions.
"This rigorous study reinforces our belief that there is significant potential for improved health outcomes and cost savings if health plans cover medically tailored meals for patients with complex health issues," said David Waters, CEO of Community Servings.
Researchers found that participants in both Community Servings' medically tailored meals program and a traditional home-delivered meals program experienced fewer emergency department visits and emergency transportation services, but only Community Servings' clients had fewer inpatient admissions - resulting in a 16% net reduction in healthcare costs. In dollar terms, the average monthly medical costs for medically tailored meals participants was $843, compared to $1,413 for the control group, reflecting gross savings of $570 per month, or net savings (factoring in the cost of the meals) of $220 per month.
"We know from decades of research that poor diet is associated with worse health, and there is no doubt that poor diet leads to higher costs of care. This study adds evidence that medically tailored meals may have a positive effect on health while lowering the use of expensive healthcare services," said Dr. Seth Berkowitz, research author now affiliated with the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, N.C.
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Food is the Foundation Campaign for Community Servings
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In the last five years, Community Servings has experienced a
40% growth in the demand for our medically tailored meals and often carries a waitlist of over 100 potential patients in need of meals. Our medically tailored meals are a cost-effective approach to managing the health of individuals with complex medical and social needs, proven by our Massachusetts General Hospital research. As the demand continues to grow, we are at capacity in our current facilities and we need to expand.
Recognizing this growing need, we are excited to announce the Food is the Foundation Campaign for Community Servings. The $10 million Campaign will fund an expanded 31,000 square-foot "food campus" adjacent to our current facilities in Jamaica Plain. The new building will allow us to triple meal production to serve more of our critically ill neighbors in need and expand to additional communities. So far, more than $8.12 million has been raised. To learn more about the Food is the Foundation Campaign and to support the expansion, visit servings.org/foodisthefoundation.
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April 9
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April 11
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April 19
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Thursday, April 26 - LifeSavor
Begin with a fabulous cocktail party at The Langham,
Boston, then travel to one of Boston's best restaurants
for an intimate dinner with wine prepared especially for
you.
Purchase a ticket.
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May 13
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Mother's Day - Support Meals4Moms and honor your mom while feeding a mom in need. Details coming soon!
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- The Washington Post
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- WCBV Channel 5 (Video)
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- Boston Herald Inside Track
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