Why Community-Based Prevention, Collaboration is Good for the Healthcare Sector

Webinar on California Accountable Communities for Health Funding Opportunity to be held Thursday

Prevention Institute’s latest brief, released today, explains why the emerging Accountable Communities for Health (ACH) model is vital for healthcare in a new era of health system transformation; and describes ACH core features, as well as how communities can engage and participate with healthcare organizations to take part in this exciting opportunity to improve health for all. The report was particularly prepared for California, and is aligned with emerging efforts to support California ACHs.

The ACH is an innovative, pioneering model that helps move the nation into the next phase of health system transformation by providing a way for healthcare groups and community  initiatives and public health to join forces to improve community health, and reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization and costs. Our brief, supported by the Blue Shield of California Foundation, introduces the key concepts and features of ACHs, and explains why and how healthcare groups are getting on board with this collaborative model that can save lives and money.

As our healthcare system moves toward emphasizing value over volume, and population health along with individual health, healthcare institutions are increasingly committed to and held accountable for keeping patients healthy.  New payment models encourage healthcare systems to address the social, economic, and physical environmental factors that influence their patients’ health outside the clinic walls. ACHs provide a means and method for healthcare groups to work with external groups to shape environments that maximize health for all— and potentially reduce costs.

PI’s report, The Accountable Community for Health: A Model for the Next Phase of Health System Transformation, recommends concrete actions for healthcare groups interested in adopting the ACH approach; offers context and guidance on ACH implementation across the nation; and provides detailed examples of relevant collaborations. We identify nine core elements of the ACH model, and seven steps healthcare organizations can take to prepare for adopting an ACH. We also provide vignettes of clinical-community partnerships consistent with the ACH model across the U.S.

An hour-long webinar at 2 p.m. PST Thursday will provide background about ACHs and information about the California funding opportunity (register here). Speakers will include Richard Figueroa, Director of Health and Human Services at The California Endowment; Peter Long, President and CEO of Blue Shield of California Foundation; Barbara Masters, Project Manager of the California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative; and Prevention Institute Managing Director Leslie Mikkelsen.

The California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (CACHI) will release a request for proposals in January to fund up to six ACH projects in the state. The request will be issued by Community Partners, with support from The California Endowment, Blue Shield Foundation of California, and Kaiser Permanente. For more information about CACHI, please see the Community Partners website.