Lawrence & Memorial Hospital and the William Backus Hospital - The New London County Health Collaborative

Overview

In recognizing that complex health-related issues cannot be addressed by any one agency, the New London County Health Collaborative (NLCHC) was formed in 2007 to unite the medical, social service, and public health communities to jointly examine health status concerns in New London County. The collaborative has conducted a county-wide health needs assessment that identified the lack of physical exercise by adults, obesity in children and adults, and smoking as some issues to be addressed. The hospitals have taken the lead in this collaborative with membership composed of representatives from health care organizations, public agencies, and civic and social services organizations. Lawrence and Memorial Hospital and a local FQHC staff the collaborative.

Impact

The NLCHC serves as a voice for public health issues and health care concerns to municipal and state officials. It has secured a commitment from medical providers to create specialty medical care clinics in New London and Norwich for individuals that are uninsured or underinsured.

Challenges/success factors

The county-wide health needs assessment study carried out by the NLCHC provides guidance for intervention to improve health in several priority areas. The NLCHC will continue to look to these recommendations and develop strategies to address the issues identified below:

• Risk factor prevention services, particularly related to smoking and obesity
• Access to care
• Care for chronic conditions
• Integration of mental health and primary care
• Reproductive health

Future direction/sustainability

Continued focus on the implementation of the specialty care network of providers will remain a priority for the NLCHC as a strategy to improve access to care for vulnerable populations and to reduce emergency department utilization for conditions better treated in community settings. Investment in the NLCHC on the part of local funders has been strong; efforts will continue to secure support from state- and national-level philanthropic organizations.

Additionally, the NLCHC has found an important advocacy role among policy makers and elected officials who look to the Collaborative as the unified voice for health care, public health, and social services in the County. The southeastern Connecticut state delegation has turned to the NLCHC on several occasions to offer guidance and insight as they consider policy change and make budgeting decisions.

Advice to others

Engagement of a wide-range of stakeholders in the process of community health needs assessment from the beginning of planning lays a foundation for productive ongoing collaboration. Once partners are involved in this way, implementation of strategies to address identified needs occurs in a very collegial manner and fosters commitment to a greater good over the specific needs of individual organizations. In addition, designating staff to lead the effort ensures continued momentum.

Contact: Laurel Holmes
Director, Community Health, Outreach & Partnerships
Telephone: 860-442-0733
E-mail: lholmes@lmhosp.org