For Immediate Release: BOSTON, MA – August 20, 2020

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has announced Upward Health as its choice to deliver comprehensive in-home health care services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in their homes. Upward Health, a multi-disciplinary practice providing in-home medical and behavioral health care with social supports, received this award through an RFP procurement process. The award focuses on an initial implementation in the Northeast part of the state, with the intention of a statewide rollout.

Under the terms of the award, Upward Health will offer both in-home patient care as well as continuous COVID-19 monitoring to enable both preventive care and, if needed, early interventions and medical treatment to keep vulnerable individuals safe at home during a pandemic that has been documented to disproportionately affect individuals living in group homes. Upward Health’s direct patient care team will supplement existing care capabilities with a multi-disciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and other clinical and non-clinical support personnel who specialize in caring for complex individuals. The Upward Health personnel will provide care in their homes and also conduct secure video-based telemedicine visits.

Upward Health will partner with Seven Hills Foundation, a comprehensive health and human services network and one of the largest providers in the state of 24/7 residential supports for adults with I/DD, to track and analyze the impact of new remote monitoring technologies and in-person interventions for individuals at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once data has been compiled, Upward Health, the Seven Hills Research Center (SHRC) and DDS will collaborate to produce a study on the impact of the services delivered. Upward Health will work with the SHRC to design appropriate outcomes, collect and analyze data, report on outcomes and publish clinical best practices and healthcare policy. Created in 2015, the SHRC provides a formal research and publishing function to promote the results of the clinical and program outcomes throughout the Seven Hills Foundation’s affiliates.

Upward Health CEO, Glen Moller stated, “Our vision and mission at Upward Health is to provide world-class care to the most vulnerable – and in often challenging circumstances.  Our care teams are skilled in treating patients with disabilities and other complex medical and behavioral conditions.” Moller continued, “We are delighted to partner with Seven Hills and with the Massachusetts DDS, among others, who for years have been doing tremendous work with I/DD individuals.” 

Seven Hills Dr. Kathleen Jordan, Executive Vice President and CEO of Seven Hills Foundation expressed excitement over the new collaboration, “We are excited to partner with Upward Health and DDS on this delivery systems reform initiative that aims to improve care, improve health, and reduce costs.” She added, “Enhancing access to an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals who are able to provide in-home care and consultation will result in effective, efficient, and integrated care for the people we support.” 

To discuss Upward Health services for your members or patients, please contact Kim Steely at (888) 985-5455 ext. 702 or ksteely@upwardhealth.com. Visit www.upwardhealth.com  for more information.

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ABOUT UPWARD HEALTH

Upward Health is an in-home multidisciplinary provider that partners with health plans and other risk-bearing entities to address the unique needs of high-risk, high-need patients. Using a unique, holistic, and community-based approach, Upward Health facilitates and delivers care that improves outcomes and the quality of life for every patient.

ABOUT SEVEN HILLS FOUNDATION

Headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Seven Hills Foundation is a comprehensive health and human services network currently offering program sites at 190 locations throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island employing nearly 4,600 professionals. Seven Hills Foundation offers a continuum of clinical, educational, and community-based supports to 60,000 children, adults and seniors with disabilities and other life challenges through its 14 affiliate organizations that are part of the Foundation.