MIAMI – The Institute for Child and Family Health (ICFH) has received a $100,000 grant from Health Foundation of South Florida to implement electronic health records for the organization's behavioral health services. The money will be used to develop health information technology infrastructure and expand the use of electronic health records.

"Electronic health records improve quality, accountability, and cost effectiveness of health care services," said Robert D. Nolan, executive director for ICFH. "This grant will assist us with purchasing, system implementation, and training."

By making it easier to share critical health information, electronic health records can avoid replication of services and excessive costs, promote efficiencies, and enhance quality of care, he said.

ICFH is a private, not-for-profit organization that has been providing health, behavioral health, educational and prevention services to the children, adolescents and families of Miami-Dade County for more than 60 years. ICFH serves more than 40,000 children, adolescents, and families per year.

The Health Foundation of South Florida is a nonprofit grant making organization dedicated to improving health in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. By funding providers and supporting programs to promote health and prevent disease, the foundation aims to make a measurable and sustainable impact in the health of individuals and families. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $90 million in grants and program support.