Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy’s Post

"Navigating Complexity: Bridging Gaps in Community Care" In the ever-evolving landscape of community care, navigating complexity is key. At our organization, we've developed innovative strategies to bridge gaps and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need. In this article, we explore our unique approach to outreach and the impact it has on the individuals and communities we serve. Central to our approach is the recognition that traditional models of care may not always meet the needs of marginalized populations. That's why we've adopted a flexible, client-centered approach that prioritizes individual autonomy and choice. Whether it's providing harm reduction kits tailored to specific preferences or offering comprehensive support on Client Support Day, we're committed to meeting people where they are. Additionally, we understand the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing complex social issues. By working closely with case management teams and other service providers, we're able to offer coordinated support that addresses the multifaceted needs of our community members. Ultimately, our goal is to create a more inclusive and supportive society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. By embracing complexity and embracing innovation, we're paving the way for a brighter future for all.

"🌟 Don't miss this! 🌟 Today, I'm shining a spotlight on the incredible impact of Community Referral Networks in tackling the social determinants of health. Dive into the groundbreaking highlights from our Research to Pursue and Advance Health Equity project below!"

The best innovations are, with little doubt, the ones that elicit this collective refrain: “Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?” Such is the case with the Holyoke Hub, a low-cost initiative that has been delivering a high rate of success for at-risk youth, individuals, and families since it began in 2022. A partnership of the Hampden County Sheriff's Office and community agencies, the Holyoke Hub takes a collaborative, holistic approach to helping people get to a better place. Among the Way Finders’ staff members to join in the weekly Hub discussion is Accountable Care Organization Manager Sara Pena. In her words: “Navigating that maze of resources as an individual at risk? It’s intimidating, it’s exhausting. The Hub has worked out for some of our clients as a really, really good idea. There are people who I don’t think would otherwise ever have really connected to all the systems of care that they need. So seamlessly, and in a really timely fashion.” Read more here: https://zurl.co/SgOO

Thanks for elevating equity across systems, especially in healthcare!

Do you all know what "civic health" is? RWJF's 2024 County Health Rankings is zeroing in on this: "Evidence shows that participating in our communities, whether through volunteering or joining neighborhood groups, strengthens our social connections and sense of belonging which in turn, benefits our physical and mental health" and highlighting the importance of public spaces that facilitate civic engagement and social cohesion. Yet another way that we can plan and design for community health! https://lnkd.in/gtvp7zDB

Explore the impact of our Good Housing = Good Health program!  Local health partners are making strides in connecting families to housing and Social Determinants of Health resources.     Program Goals:   ·        Increasing Housing Access   ·        Providing Education & Resources   ·        Strengthening Health & Well-being     Our dedicated Community Health Workers play a key role as housing navigators, guiding families to vital resources.     Communities are working together to improve housing stability through collaborative partnerships and community information exchange (CIE) efforts, enhancing data sharing and resource accessibility.   Check out the links to the Quarter 1 and 2 infographics below or visit Michigan.gov/SDOH for more information on the program's impact. Quarter 1 Highlights https://lnkd.in/ghpDER4v Quarter 2 Highlights  https://lnkd.in/gE5aXnbx   

The Minnesota Gerontological Society has our 49th Annual Conference on April 23 (virtual) and April 24 (in-person). CALL FOR PRESENTERS! Do you have a session to share or know someone who does? The theme of the conference is "THE FUTURE IS AGE-FRIENDLY." We will consider all presentations with gerontology-related content but are especially interested in presentations that align with one, or more, of the nine domains listed in the Age-Friendly Minnesota Framework. More information about Age-Friendly Mn can be found at these websites: Age-Friendly Minnesota / Age Friendly Minnesota (mn.gov) and Events (agefriendlymn.org). Age-Friendly Minnesota uses a framework organized into nine domains of livability, listed below. 1) Outdoor spaces and buildings 2) Transportation 3) Housing 4) Social participation 5) Respect and social inclusion 6) Civic participation and employment 7) Communication and information 8) Community support and health services 9) Emergency preparedness Is there something in your work that you are willing to share or do you know someone you can share this call for presenters with this week who might? Submit your proposals by November 8, 2024

What is community power? It's a question that arose from the branding discussion we held with Communities of Opportunity (COO), a partnership between Public Health – Seattle & King County and Seattle Foundation. Read about the important work the COO governance group is doing to achieve #healthequity in our region. bit.ly/COO-Community-Power

Beyond borders, beyond barriers—missionaries are often the unseen hands bringing hope to communities in need. From education to healthcare, their impact is felt worldwide. How can we further support and uplift these selfless individuals? #GlobalMissions #CommunityService"

Did you know the AAMC Center for Health Justice offers free community engagement toolkits? These toolkits help institutions engage their academic and local communities in dialogue to identify actions individuals or institutions can take to move communities toward health care equity. Topics include trustworthiness, the impact of mass incarceration on the health of individuals, families and communities, social injustices and more. Explore the toolkits: https://ow.ly/FzSN50TPMJC