Alaska VR was one of three states selected during the Sara pilot in 2015. In 2023, Alaska VR is still a continued champion of Sara years later. They use Sara as an all-in-one communication hub that bridges the connection gap in human services.
Distance becomes a barrier to client interactions in Alaska
As a geographically large state with a comparatively small population, Alaska faces unique challenges with its case management.
“We needed to communicate more with the individuals we serve,” explains Susan Baker, Program Coordinator II at Alaska VR. With 25 counselors spread across the state and potentially 3000 miles between them at any given time, Alaska VR needed a resourceful and effective way to reach its clients.
Sara keeps counselors in contact, even in remote locations
With Sara, Alaska VR can foster a connection and let clients know they are more than just a case ID, even when counselors are not in the area.
“We have a few counselors that are dedicated to serving our rural populations. It’s a unique situation,” says Baker. “They’re flying in for about a week, trying to get informational referrals and applications. And if there are open cases in that area or village, they’re trying to connect with them as well. We do a lot with SARA helping us keep in touch when we’re not in the area.”
Sara improves appointment attendance and follow-up compliance
Alaska VR needed help with clients missing their scheduled appointments due to the distance and time between face-to-face appointments. “How often we would get stood up pre-Sara compared to now is just so ridiculously less. To have the reminder texts come in and remind the client that they have an appointment is just golden. Our clients really love it.”
Sara’s automated text message and email functionality also helped Alaska VR with its follow-up requirements. Counselors must follow up with clients one year after a client exits their program—this was difficult to manage in the past.
“I have an automatic system that does the post-year outreach and I don’t have to even think about it,” shared Baker. “It’s an entire data element of compliance that I barely even have to think about because of Sara. It’s beautiful.”
To hear more about Alaska VR’s experience with Sara, listen to VRTAC-QM Manager Minute.
