GroundGame.Health

Under the Same Sky: Our ongoing series of discussions on the challenges — and the opportunities — in solving health-related social needs. Today, our host Abner Mason speaks with Daryl Twerdahl, executive director for Meals on Wheels California.?

Abner Mason, GGH chief strategy and transformation officer, is among the faculty for NCQA's Health Equity Education Series, currently underway. Along with other esteemed faculty members, the series is designed to empower healthcare leaders to take action, and sustain their health equity initiatives. We're honored to have one of our own helping ensure that the future of healthcare is one that respects and reflects the unique needs of every individual. More information: https://bit.ly/40ZSFqu

Recently, Forbes wrote, "20 Ways Healthcare Businesses Can Improve The Patient Experience." Among those quoted was our own Valerie Cerra, chief of staff at GroundGame Health, along with 19 other members of the Forbes Business Council. Read all the ideas: https://bit.ly/3YKHRtz

LATER TODAY: Join our own Abner Mason on Tuesday, November 19 at 2:00 PM Eastern, for the next installment of our ongoing discussion series, Under the Same Sky. This month, Abner speaks with Daryl Twerdahl, executive director for Meals on Wheels California. Together they will discuss the mission to improve the lives of seniors, persons with disabilities, and their families through nutrition, resources, advocacy, and connection. More information: https://bit.ly/3AwHxqg

In this Under the Same Sky episode, host Abner Mason welcomed June Simmons, president and CEO of Partners in Care Foundation, to discuss the evolving landscape of health-related social needs (HRSNs) and the profound impact of aligning various stakeholders in healthcare. Listen to Under the Same Sky with your favorite podcast app, or you can read highlights or view the recording on our website: https://bit.ly/3NXB2ji

Does proactively navigating someone through their health-related social needs (HRSNs) make a difference? The data suggests that it does. In the latest reporting from CMS on the Accountable Health Communities Model (AHC Model), they say, "The AHC Model was associated with significant impacts on total expenditures and quality of care." Another key takeaway? "One possible explanation for these findings is that navigators not only helped beneficiaries with HRSNs but also addressed tangible barriers to health care (e.g., transportation to appointments) and helped them navigate the health care system generally." At GroundGame Health, we see this impact every day as we work in partnership with health plans to address the HRSNs of members experiencing food insecurity, housing instability, and other life challenges. Learn more about the model: https://go.cms.gov/4fiUkvv Or view the At-a-Glance report (PDF): https://go.cms.gov/4foi55i

Will 2025 be the year healthcare gets social? That's the question posed by GGH Chief of Staff, Valerie Cerra, in her Forbes piece of the same name. "I think of the social sector a little like an underrated sidekick who has been there quietly doing big things all along," Valerie writes, adding, "Thanks to some major advancements, social work is working its way up to the healthcare industry center stage. Like Buzz Lightyear, when he had his first big cinematic moment, and viewers realized Woody couldn't be half the toy without him, this sidekick was ready for its moment." Intrigued? Read more about what Valerie had to say in this call-to-action for healthcare leaders in the coming year: https://bit.ly/3OfdWVf

Attending the Fierce Health Payer Summit in Austin? Join our own Abner Mason, chief strategy and transformation officer, as he speaks with an esteemed group of thought leaders in the panel discussion, “Tackling Health Equity, Disparity and Inclusivity Challenges to Increase Member Engagement and Improve Care.” It happens TODAY, 12:15 Central, in Grand Ballroom A at the event. As we know, disparities and inequities occur throughout the healthcare system, with both payers and providers obliged to address the challenges and find solutions. Abner, along with Vindell Washington (Verily), Alexander Ding (AMA), and Jeremy Gurewitz (Solace Health) will discuss some of the solutions being applied, along with their successes, failures and where insurers still find vexing holes in their work. More information: https://bit.ly/4hNluw1

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: Join our own Abner Mason on Tuesday, November 19 at 2:00 PM Eastern, for the next installment of our ongoing discussion series, Under the Same Sky. This month, Abner speaks with Daryl Twerdahl, executive director for Meals on Wheels California. Together they will discuss the mission to improve the lives of seniors, persons with disabilities, and their families through nutrition, resources, advocacy, and connection. More information: https://bit.ly/3YyJZVb

Last week, our own Abner Mason participated in the California Conference on Whole System Care in Behavioral Health, sponsored by the California Primary Care Association, the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies, and the California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions. We were honored to be part of this important discussion on how California is prioritizing innovation in behavioral health! From the left, Darrell Steinberg, Mayor of Sacramento, and Founder, Steinberg Institute; Percy Howard, lll, President and Chief Executive Officer, California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions; Abner; and, Sam Chapman, Founder, Toolbox Strategies.