Sanford Health expands world clinic model

Sanford Health's goal in Ghana is a big one:

"To be the No. 1 primary health care provider in the country."

That's according to Jim Slack, vice president of Sanford International Clinics, who is helping lead clinic development in the African nation and worldwide.

Sanford International Clinics was formed as part of T. Denny Sanford's $400 million donation in 2007 with a mission to provide care to underserved populations worldwide. And while it started with pediatric clinics in the U.S., the organization's eye has shifted to Africa, the Argus Leader (http://argusne.ws/1TQlVXV ) reported.

In the past 60 days, Sanford has opened 12 clinics in Ghana, for a total of 17. The plan is to develop at least 300 clinics in the country.

It's a venture that has brought Sanford into a new relationship with Global Health Corps., a New York-based nonprofit led and founded by Barbara Pierce Bush, daughter of former President George W. Bush.

"I'm very impressed and inspired by Sanford International Clinic's commitment to working and supporting partner organizations, at every level, in the areas they work," Bush said in an emailed response to questions.

"It's truly wonderful to be supported by such an innovative and inspiring health care leader. There is a great deal of overlap between our work, so our relationship is a busy two-way street for sharing best practices, networks and insight."

Global Health Corps., or GHC, was founded in 2009 to place professionals from Africa and the U.S. in yearlong paid fellowships to work with local organizations to improve health care access and outcomes. The organization plans to work with Sanford to develop health care professionals and identify and implement best practices in areas such as electronic medical records, supply change management, medication standardization and clinical education.

The two met through philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.

"Denny had a relationship with Laura and Barbara Bush and was aware of Barbara's initiative," Slack said. "The focus of that really looked to align with what we do with Sanford International Clinics. He brought us together."

That was about a year ago, and the organizations started talking about what each was doing in Africa and what synergies might exist.

"For us, it was really quick to identify," Slack said. "She's got thought leaders and fellows and alumni she's recruited from all over the world. She's got top talent knocking at her door to be part of her program. Because of the depth of operations we're building, it just lends to a great experience for these fellows to dig in and find meaningful projects."

Bush, too, praises the new relationship.

"It's not often that you find such a philosophical synergy in a partnership," she said. "I think both of our organizations share that deep commitment to ensuring access to quality health care for everyone and the belief that where someone is born or lives should never dictate how healthy and empowered a life they can live."

source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/