IHN-CCO Seeks Proposals for Pilot Projects May 23, 2022 The Delivery System Transformation Committee of InterCommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization invites providers and organizations to submit proposals for pilot projects that can positively impact the health outcomes of IHN-CCO members in Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties. The projects are intended to support the transformation of the health care delivery system to improve quality, cost and access to health care. Since 2013, more than $24 million has been awarded to nearly 100 pilot projects in the tri-county area. IHN-CCO provides funding for the pilot projects as part of its commitment to strengthening community partnerships. In addition, this will support the development of new connections to foster innovation in health care throughout the tri-county region. While IHN-CCO and the DST are committed to their own health equity policies and practices, they are also committed to supporting the development, growth and sustainability of equity-focused, transformational work throughout the region. Providers, agencies and community-based organizations working within and for marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply for funding. IHN-CCO and the DST have a shared belief that truly equitable and transformational work supports the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of the region’s diverse communities. To be considered for funding, a required Letter of Intent Form must be submitted by Wednesday, June 2 at 8 a.m. Two information sessions will be offered as a resource for potential pilot proposers on Tuesday, May 17, from 3 to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, May 25, from 4 to 5 p.m. Contact [email protected] for meeting details. The impact of pilot projects in Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties IHN-CCO has worked with community partners and providers to implement 81 transformation pilot projects over the past five years for the tri-county area. Each pilot project was uniquely designed to transform health care in the community. Below are some examples of the positive impact that pilot projects have on the health of local communities. Benton County Increase the patient capacity for child psychiatrists. Access to specialty mental health care for children and adolescents is very limited both locally and nationally. This leaves children with complex psychiatric needs, both diagnostic and medical, with significantly limited access to care. Through the Child Psychiatry Capacity Project, Samaritan Mental Health Family Center introduced a new model of care that employs a mental health specialist that is trained to gather psychiatric data and provide in-between visit support to the child, their family and their primary care provider. The focused collaboration ensured a psychiatrist was serving youth with complex needs and primary care providers were supported to treat more youth effectively. Integrate health navigators into housing services to increase access to health services for residents and further stabilize the individual or family’s living situation to prevent evictions. DevNW (formerly Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services) developed a connection with the health system and low-income housing projects, engaging residents with on-site health related services and making referrals to health services. Nearly 600 residents received services, with over 700 referrals made and close to 100 evictions prevented. Lincoln County Increase new parents’ skills and understanding around healthy growth and development of their child, age 0-4 years. Lincoln County Health and Human Services’ project, using the Parents as Teachers program, helps to improve immunization rates along with increasing parent involvement in their child’s development. Deliver mental and behavioral health services in natural settings and support in schools, child welfare offices, and courts to youth and their families. The Olalla Center for Children and Families’ project provides active support and connections through regular gatherings and mentoring outside the center’s walls. Program staff go to where youth and family are in need. Linn County Integrate medical care with child abuse prevention services. A project was created to increase the connection between high-risk children and their families, served in the Family Tree Relief Nursery, with primary care medical homes. The project created a blended service model of a home-based intervention specialist and community health workers with peer support specialists. This program now serves hundreds of families and individuals to increase family health, stability and attachment. Link pediatric clinic with social service program for women, infants and children. A breastfeeding support services project was created that linked Samaritan Lebanon Health Center – Pediatrics and Linn County Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The project places Spanish-speaking lactation consultants in a medical clinic. The goal is to promote and support new mothers trying to breastfeed their babies. By increasing the number of women breastfeeding and the length of time they breastfeed, the project will support positive outcomes for the babies. The project also connects mothers with WIC and other community resources. For more information about the pilot projects funded by IHN-CCO, visit “Transforming Health Care” at IHNtogether.org. About InterCommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization IHN-CCO was formed in 2012 as a partnership to improve the health outcomes of the people living in Benton, Lincoln, and Linn counties, Oregon. The partnership consists of county governments and their public health, mental health and addiction service departments, local health care providers, federally qualified health centers and more. IHN-CCO serves more than 80,000 Oregon Health Plan members.
