Salem Memorial Hospital – Dent County ToRCH Initiative

The Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Program is a Missouri Medicaid initiative focused on improving health outcomes by addressing non-medical factors that influence well-being—like housing, food, and transportation. Salem Memorial District Hospital proudly serves as one of six ToRCH hubs across the state.

We’ve been part of the Dent County community for over 50 years, and we know that health is shaped by more than just medical care. Through ToRCH, we’re working to connect individuals with the resources they need to live healthier, more stable lives.

Our Community Health Goals

Improve access to dental care for children and youth under 21
Support better blood pressure control for adults with hypertension
Increase follow-up care after emergency visits for mental health or self-harm
Help individuals manage diabetes by improving blood sugar control
Reduce avoidable ER visits for people living with COPD

Who Can Participate in the ToRCH Program?

ToRCH services are available to individuals who:
Are enrolled in Missouri Medicaid
Live in Dent County

Eligibility is determined through a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening, which can be completed at your provider’s office or through our self-referral form.

Looking for Help? Connect with Local Resources

If you or someone you know is facing challenges with basic needs like food, housing, transportation, or other daily essentials, we’re here to help.

You can submit a confidential self-referral through our secure online form. Your request will be shared with trusted local organizations in the Unite Us network. Whether you're seeking help for yourself, a family member, or a neighbor, this is a simple and safe way to access community resources.
If you're eligible for the ToRCH Program, a community-based organization will follow up, usually within one week, to begin connecting you to services.

Request Help or Connect to Resources

Our Local Partners

The ToRCH Program is built on strong relationships with local organizations that help us connect individuals to the services they need. To participate, organizations must be enrolled on Unite Us and actively send or receive referrals.

Community Leadership Board

Healthy Dent County
Aging Best
Dent County Health Center
Compass Health
Four Rivers Community Health
Lifeway Center
Parted Waters
South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA)

Community Service Partners

S.O.L.V.E.
Salem Area Community Betterment Association (SACBA)

Support for Community-Based Organizations

Capacity Building Grants

ToRCH provides flexible funding to help community partners expand their ability to serve. Grants may be used for hiring staff, expanding space, purchasing IT or equipment, acquiring vehicles, staff training, and other infrastructure needs. Grants are managed by the ToRCH hub and approved by the Leadership Board under the supervision of the Missouri HealthNet Division.

B3 Services Reimbursement

ToRCH also reimburses partners for delivering approved services that address health-related social needs identified through community assessments. These include supplemental transportation, food and nutrition assistance, home-delivered medically tailored meals, and housing remediation. Reimbursement is provided on a per-person, per-service basis.

Interested in Partnering With Us?

We welcome new community partners who are committed to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for individuals and families in Dent County.

If your organization is interested in joining our efforts to improve community health, please email us at torch@smdh.net.