MN disabilities program gets $1.8M grant

A Twin Cities-area program that serves adults with disabilities and complex medical conditions has won a major innovation grant under the federal health care law.

Courage Center competed nationally to win nearly $1.8 million. The Golden Valley-based program is one of 26 groups nationwide to receive funding for projects aimed at better coordinating and improving patient care.

Through faster access to primary and specialty care, Courage Center patients were able to cut the time they spent in the hospital by 80 percent, which saved more than $3 million per year.

CEO Jan Malcolm said it's important that health reform not forget people with disabilities and chronic medical problems.

"We're really very excited by the opportunity to help document this as a model that we hope will inform the national dialogue about better care models for people with disabilities," Malcolm said.

Too often people with disabilities aren't front and center in discussions about reforming the health care system, Malcolm said.

"This is a really great opportunity to really underscore that it's important for health care reform to embrace and serve all populations in our state and in our country," Malcolm said.

The money will allow Courage Center to expand the project it began in 2009 from 200 to 300 adults.