Printable Version
Information Technology and Health
The
Horizon Foundation has actively sought to apply
information technology
to community health concerns. This has included
the use of the Internet
and other digital media to promote Foundation
priorities, the use of
cable TV and an array of communications tools.
It also is incorporated
in many capacity building grants made to the
nonprofit community.
A prime example of this work was the HorizonHelp information and referral system. The Horizon Foundation's strategic planning process indicated that a community-wide information and referral system was needed to streamline the flow of information about health and wellness services to the public.
Research for HorizonHelp began in 2000 when Rich Krieg, President and CEO convened county leaders from the Association of Community Services and the county library, Office of Citizens Services, Office on Aging, Office of Children's Services and the Coalition of Geriatric Services to collaborate on the first comprehensive Web-based information and referral system for human and social services in Howard County. The system served as an online source for the public, school counselors, health providers, discharge planners and many others.
Since its launch in summer 2001, HorizonHelp has seen thousands of visitors seeking information on everything from utility assistance and resources for older adults to services for the Hispanic community.
Effective April 1, 2010, visitors to HorizonHelp.org, will be redirected to United Way's 211md.org, which serves the entire state.
“It made sense to combine these resources,” said Richard Krieg. “Now people in search of services and information will find everything they need statewide in one place.”
Horizon’s Spanish language version of HorizonHelp will remain available for electronic or print distribution (see below.)
A prime example of this work was the HorizonHelp information and referral system. The Horizon Foundation's strategic planning process indicated that a community-wide information and referral system was needed to streamline the flow of information about health and wellness services to the public.
Research for HorizonHelp began in 2000 when Rich Krieg, President and CEO convened county leaders from the Association of Community Services and the county library, Office of Citizens Services, Office on Aging, Office of Children's Services and the Coalition of Geriatric Services to collaborate on the first comprehensive Web-based information and referral system for human and social services in Howard County. The system served as an online source for the public, school counselors, health providers, discharge planners and many others.
Since its launch in summer 2001, HorizonHelp has seen thousands of visitors seeking information on everything from utility assistance and resources for older adults to services for the Hispanic community.
Effective April 1, 2010, visitors to HorizonHelp.org, will be redirected to United Way's 211md.org, which serves the entire state.
“It made sense to combine these resources,” said Richard Krieg. “Now people in search of services and information will find everything they need statewide in one place.”
Horizon’s Spanish language version of HorizonHelp will remain available for electronic or print distribution (see below.)