March 10, 2023

Kitsap Public Health District selects Johns Hopkins group to lead local healthcare system assessment

The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security was one of nine organizations that responded to a request for proposals issued by the Health District in December. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — Kitsap Public Health District has selected the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security to lead a comprehensive assessment of local healthcare systems and identify opportunities to close gaps in services and improve access to care. 

The Center for Health Security, part of the the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, was one of nine organizations that responded to a request for proposals issued by the Health District in December. The Center's proposal was selected following a review of proposals and two rounds of interviews. 

Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow and Health Board Member Becky Erickson presented the selection to the full Health Board on March 7. 

"I think that they are going to do a remarkable job, they interviewed brilliantly," Erickson said. "I'm really hopeful that we will get some really good data and some suggested solutions to our healthcare shortages in our county."

The Center for Health Security's team, led by Tener Veenema, PhD, includes nationally recognized researchers and policy analysts, some with ties to Kitsap County. The Center will conduct a systematic assessment of the healthcare system in Kitsap, beginning with a historical analysis and review of laws, policies, norms, and healthcare industry standards. The team will also hold interviews and listening sessions with local healthcare practitioners, administrators and community members. Information gathered through the assessment will inform recommendations for improving healthcare delivery in Kitsap County. 

The Health District is finalizing a $200,000 contract with the Center for Health Security for the assessment, which is expected to take about nine months to complete. Project updates and findings will be shared with the Health Board and public. 

The Health District will form an advisory panel to provide input throughout the assessment process.

VIEW KITSAP HEALTH DATA Visit our library of interactive indicator dashboards to learn about local trends in health and healthcare.  Go to kitsappublichealth.org/data

INCREASING CONCERN OVER HEALTHCARE ACCESS

Inadequate access to healthcare is a growing issue in Kitsap, with many residents reporting barriers to receiving the services they need to stay healthy. 

Data indicate Kitsap could be underserved across a wide range of healthcare fields, including primary, obstetric, pediatric, emergency, specialty, and mental health. Common barriers to receiving services include a shortage of providers and a lack of available appointments. Inadequate healthcare access contributes to negative and inequitable health outcomes. 

Worsening strain on the county's healthcare system came to a head in 2022, as emergency medical services agencies experienced long waits at St. Michael Medical Center's emergency department and hospital staffing shortages at the time were widely reported. Local agencies and the hospital have worked together in recent months to improve communication and reduce wait times. 

Concerns over emergency services contributed to a broader conversation among local leaders about gaps in care across the full healthcare spectrum. Dr. Morrow noted that there is no one entity responsible for ensuring that the system is functioning and meeting the needs of the community.

“We need to evaluate how to improve the return on our healthcare investments to benefit personal and public health and build a stronger society — nationally and here in Kitsap,” he said.

In response to these concerns, the Kitsap Public Health Board directed the Health District to commission an independent assessment of the local healthcare landscape to identify obstacles and promote solutions. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For general questions about this assessment project, contact pio@kitsappublichealth.org.

You can find statistics about healthcare access and health outcomes in Kitsap County by visiting kitsappublichealth.org/data.