GOBHI's Digital Produce Prescription Program: Improving Access to Healthy Food in Rural Oregon
How Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) uses iQpay to improve their produce prescription program and increase access to nutritious food across rural Oregon.
The challenge
GOBHI needed to transition Oregon's largest produce prescription program from paper vouchers to a more efficient, user-friendly system across rural areas.
The solution
Implemented iQpay's digital card system with $30 or $60 monthly allowances for fresh and frozen produce, redeemable at multiple vendors.
The result
Achieved 95% efficiency in program operations, improved accessibility for participants, and expanded reach across seven counties in rural Oregon.
Background
Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) faced a significant challenge in modernizing Oregon's largest produce prescription program. The organization needed to transition from a paper-based voucher system to a more efficient solution that would serve households across seven counties while supporting their mission of improving community health outcomes.
Challenge
The existing paper voucher system was creating inefficiencies in GOBHI's produce prescription program. They needed a solution that would streamline benefit distribution and management, improve accessibility for rural and frontier communities, and create a more user-friendly experience for both administrators and participants.
Solution
GOBHI partnered with iQpay to develop and implement a digital produce prescription program. The new system features digital cards valued at either $30 or $60, redemption capabilities specifically for fresh and frozen produce with no added sugar, salt, or fat, and a simplified digital distribution and benefit management system.
Implementation
The program launched on July 1, 2024, with several key components. The implementation includes coverage of 733 households across seven counties, partnership with healthcare organizations and community-based organizations as authorized prescribers, and digital infrastructure to support benefit distribution and tracking.
Results
The digital transformation has shown impressive early results. The program achieved 95% efficiency in program operations and successfully managed food benefits distribution. Program administration was simplified, as noted by program administrator Marci McMurphy from Rental Assistance and Frontier Veggie Rx, Local Community Health Partnerships. The program expanded its reach into rural and frontier areas and improved ease of use for both administrators and participants.
Impact
The digital produce prescription program has transformed GOBHI's ability to serve their community in several ways. It has increased operational efficiency in benefit distribution, enhanced program accessibility for rural communities, improved the user experience for both administrators and participants, and supported GOBHI's broader mission of empowering individuals and communities to achieve better health.
Organization
Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI)
Industry
Healthcare / Non-profit
Location
Oregon (serving 7 counties)
Challenge
Modernizing Oregon's largest produce prescription program from paper vouchers to a digital system
iQpay products used
- Digital payment cards
- Benefit management system
- Program administration dashboard
About Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI)
Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving community health outcomes across rural and frontier Oregon. They focus on integrating behavioral health services with primary care and social services to provide comprehensive support for individuals and communities.