In this issue

• HCA applies for funding to support whole-person health for children and youth in Spokane County
• Washington State leads nation in moving toward a public health care option
• U.S. News & World Report: Washington ranks high for health care
• Forks Community Hospital sees 50% reduction in emergency department visits

Connections

Events

• Healthier Washington Quarterly Webinar Series: An overview of the Clinical Data Repository
  Aug. 13 | Noon to 1 p.m. 
  Register for this webinar.

• Save the date:
  Inland Northwest State of Reform Health Policy Conference
  Spokane Conference Center
  Sept. 10
  Conference information

• Save the dates:
  Healthier WA Medicaid Transformation Public Forum 
  Sept. 12 | 6 to 8 p.m.
  Confluence Technology Center, Wenatchee, WA
  
  Sept. 26 | 6 to 8 p.m.
  Bridgeview Resource Center, Vancouver, WA

• Healthier Washington Quarterly Webinar Series: How behavioral health strategies are helping people live better lives
  Nov. 19 | Noon to 1 p.m.
  Register for this webinar.

Resources

• Position opening: Olympic Community of Health is seeking a communications and special project coordinator. 

• Healthier Washington health systems transformation calendar

HCA applies for funding to support whole-person health for children and youth in Spokane County

Earlier this month, the Health Care Authority (HCA) submitted its Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) Model grant application to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).

The InCK Model helps states and local communities address priority health concerns for children, including behavioral health challenges like opioid and other substance use. If awarded, the Model would help advance Washington’s dedication and commitment to improving multi-generational health outcomes. 

Read the full story. 

Washington State leads nation in moving toward a public health care option

Governor Jay Inslee convened health care leaders, legislators, elected leaders, and stakeholders earlier this month to discuss a new public health care option. The program, Cascade Care, moves Washington another step toward universal health coverage in Washington State.             

Read the full story on the Governor's Medium page. 

U.S. News & World Report: Washington ranks high for health care

A new report from U.S. News & World Report lists Washington as one of the top five states that meet their residents' health care needs. 

The categories assessed included access to health care, health care quality, and the overall health of the population.

Sue Birch, HCA Director, said that success has come from expansion, innovation, and broad partnerships. 

"We expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, giving coverage to hundreds of thousands more of our family members, friends and neighbors," she said. 

"We work closely with the Governor’s office and the Legislature to design a health care system that responds to what our residents need."

Emphasizing the role of community partners, Birch noted collaboration with providers, health plans, public and private employers, social services agencies, and communities. This has resulted in "innovative strategies that improve the health and well-being of all Washington residents."

Forks Community Hospital sees 50% reduction in emergency department visits

Overuse of emergency care is a challenge for many hospitals. At Forks Community Hospital (FCH), they did something about it. FCH Case Manager Kelly Thompson explains:

“We began this process in August 2018, and saw a decrease in return visits in the first month."

Since then, FCH has seen a 50 percent reduction in return visits—defined as occurring within 72 hours of the initial visit—to the emergency department.

Read the full story.