Municipality of Zoetermeer and healthcare parties join hands for tailored support
The municipality of Zoetermeer, together with health care partners, is taking an important step towards a healthier future for residents. Councilor Véronique Frinking, together with Jeroen van den Oever (Samen ZoeterMeer Gezond) and Anouk Op het Veld (Stichting GelijkGezond) signed a declaration of intent to reduce health differences. And to offer customized support to residents who have lost grip on their lives.
The signing of this letter of intent is the first step in a collaborative process that will be further developed over the next 6 months. The parties want to take joint responsibility for an approach that meets the needs of residents and requires cooperation with local health and welfare organizations.
An innovative and collaborative approach
Research shows that people on minimum income suffer above average health problems stemming from problems in multiple areas of life. A number of successful trials have already been conducted in various places in the Netherlands. These trials have shown that an innovative overarching approach is needed. An approach that focuses not only on medical but also on financial and social problems. The municipality of Zoetermeer and Samen ZoeterMeer Gezond are therefore joining forces with the GelijkGezond foundation for tailored support. Equal Healthy is an organization with the ambition to realize more healthy years of life for people with a minimum income.
Go-getters will help Zoetermeerders who are in a pinch
An important part of this collaboration is the use of an expert also called a "go-to person: Who helps residents get a grip on various challenges in their lives. This can range from health problems to financial and social obstacles. This "go-getter" does not let go until the core of the problem is addressed and concrete steps are taken toward a stable situation. General practitioners can refer patients with multiple problems to the "go-getter," who then provides them with intensive support.
"Health is not something everyone can take for granted, which is precisely why it is important to take action together," said Alderman Véronique Frinking. Alderman Bouke Velzen added: "Financial stress also leads to physical and mental complaints. I welcome this cooperation so that people can get help to meet their basic needs such as health."
On behalf of Samen ZoeterMeer Gezond and Stichting GelijkGezond, Jeroen van den Oever and Anouk Op het Veld underline the importance of this approach: "By working together and really standing beside residents as the 'doorbijter' does, we want to ensure that these people regain control of their lives. And thereby reducing health disparities."
