The Complex Medical Help Program (CMH) is a health care program in the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). CMH links individuals with special health care needs to a network of quality providers and helps individuals and their families obtain payment for needed services.

CMH's mission is to assure, through the development and support of high quality, coordinated systems, that individuals with special health care needs and their families obtain comprehensive care and services that are family-centered, community- based and culturally sensitive.

CMH is a state-administered program that operates within ODH. CMH receives funding for services from the federal Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, state general revenue funds, county tax funds, third-party reimbursements and donations. CMH promotes early identification of individuals with special health care needs and treatment by appropriate health care providers.

Major components of the program include: conducting quality assurance activities to establish standards of care and to determine unmet needs of individuals with special health care needs and their families; funding services for the diagnosis and treatment of medically eligible conditions; collaborating with public health nurses and local health departments to assist in increasing access to care; supporting service coordination for individuals with selected diagnoses; and assisting individuals and their families to access and utilize appropriate sources of payment for services.

PHN visits are made at least annually to each child enrolled in CMH. More frequent visits are made as needed or requested by the family.

Contact Cassie Carver, RN, Public Health Nurse: ccarver@vintonohhealth.org 740-596-5233 for more information.