Models and Practices for advancing community prevention and health systems integration: Fostering Community-Centered Health Homes in North Carolina

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation supports innovation to improve health among vulnerable populations and reduce overall costs of care. The Foundation commissioned an analysis of opportunities for fostering community-centered health homes practices in rural health centers and community health centers across the state. Building on community oriented primary care and a study of today’s health care innovators, CCHH is a structured approach for health care institutions to address the factors that shape health in the communities where their patients live, work, and play, while at the same time, maintaining high-quality clinical practices. A community-centered health home not only acknowledges that factors outside the health care system affect patient health outcomes, but it actively participates in improving them. North Carolina has a strong network of health care safety net providers and is home to leading community prevention initiatives focused on fostering healthy eating and active living environments. Health care providers recognize many community factors outside their control are impacting their patient’s health, especially among the lowest income North Carolinians. Community prevention advocates value the credibility and resources health professionals and their institutions can contribute to community change efforts. CCHH is providing North Carolina with a structured framework for these sectors to work together to improve the management and prevention of chronic disease. This presentation will describe the CCHH framework, share criteria for assessing health care readiness to adopt CCHH practices, and share strategies for supporting health care, public health, and community stakeholders in implementing integrated efforts.