October newsletter: A round-up of Healthier Washington happenings

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Southwest Washington reports early success in health care integration

Research and data analysts at the Department of Social & Health Services shared data that showed integrated financing for physical and behavioral health services can have positive results. Of special note are statistically significant lower rates of homelessness and incarceration as compared to statewide data. 

Read the announcement.

Webinar: Understanding the project planning assessment

Myers and Stauffer, the independent assessor for the Medicaid Transformation Demonstration project plans, will present a webinar about the process and timeline they will follow to assess the project plans.

Read the announcement.

    End of life care patient decision aid submissions now being accepted

    The Health Care Authority (HCA) is now accepting submissions to certify patient decision aids. As part of the Healthier Washington shared decision making initiative, the state certifies tools that can help people engage in health decisions with their health care provider. End of life care is the topic of HCA’s third round of PDA certification.

    Read the announcement.

      Transformation Support Hub: Interim report, webinar for providers

      An interim report on the Practice Transformation Support Hub describes the many ways that this Healthier Washington initiative is charting the course for change in the health sector.

      Read the announcement.

      Map shows tribal and Indian health care partners in ACH regions

      The HCA's Office of Tribal Affairs has shared a graphic showing the boundaries of tribal government jurisdictions, and locations of Indian health care providers within counties and Accountable Community of Health (ACH) regions. The map highlights the importance of tribal communities as partners in Medicaid transformation across the state.

      Read the announcement.

      Choosing Wisely Summit quickly approaching

      On Friday, Oct. 27, the Washington State Medical Association will host the Choosing Wisely Summit. Health care leaders, stakeholders and national Choosing Wisely® representatives will gather for a day-long, in-depth look at how the Choosing Wisely initiative in Washington State is moving from education to implementation. 

      See conference details


      Voices of a healthier Washington

      angelaallen

      Community story

      Kids get chance to succeed as behavioral health care becomes school resource

      As principal of Monticello Middle School Angela Allen was determined to help her students succeed. But she knew she needed to help some of them be healthy before they could tackle homework. The Cascade Pacific Action Alliance, one of nine Accountable Communities of Health, supported a pilot project that brought a new support to the school. The change proved to be life-changing for her students.

      sanrda-insights

      Insights

      Health care attorney Sandra Johnson says “value-based purchasing,” is not so new. In her commentary for the Voices of a Healthier Washington website, Johnson points out providers have long adhered to the underlying principles. 

      Read the article.

      In this issue

      Ways to engage Healthier Washington

      Join the conversation


      Share your story

      Do you have a story that illustrates health systems transformation? We would love to hear it. Learn how to share your story.


      Become a volunteer Sentinel

      The Sentinel Network is currently recruiting volunteers from health care employers to help track Washington’s rapidly changing health workforce. Learn more.


      Upcoming webinars and meetings

      October 26:

      • Webinar on Demonstration project plans assessment and scoring. Register