WellLink and ACHE of NEO Mobilize Healthcare Leaders for Community Well-Being

On Aug. 7, WellLink Health Alliance convened healthcare leaders for an engaging roundtable centered around “Improving the Health Status of Your Community.” In partnership with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) of Northern Ohio, the conversation explored current policies regarding community benefit and how organizations can take a proactive approach to improving community health in Cleveland and beyond.

As nonprofit healthcare organizations face increasing pressure to demonstrate their community benefit, the roundtable, comprised of leaders with expertise in addiction, hospice care, community health, and hospital operations, highlighted how recent healthcare regulations now require a more active role in promoting community health well-being. The event sparked dialogue on how the overall health of a community or region has a critical impact on a healthcare organization’s planning, operations, financial sustainability, outcomes and success.

Designed for healthcare executives, community advocates, policymakers and anyone committed to creating healthier and more resilient communities, the roundtable explored a range of timely and actionable topics. Discussions included effective strategies for engaging local leaders and stakeholders in meaningful, action-oriented dialogue, as well as defining and tracking key benchmarks to measure an organization's community benefit and long-term impact.

Offering firsthand insights on leading community health initiatives that are driving systemic change, the roundtable conversation highlighted innovative approaches to tackling social and behavioral factors that influence long-term health outcomes and how innovative organizations are integrating these into their care models.

“Bringing together this group of accomplished healthcare leaders underscores the power of collective ideas and aligned commitment in the mission to address the complex health challenges our communities face,” said Dr. Kim Byas, vice president, community engagement and impact, and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. “This roundtable was a call to action. By creating a space for candid dialogue and by sharing solutions, we inspire others to move from intent to action in advancing community health across Northeast Ohio.”

The panel was moderated by Domonic Hopson, president and CEO of Neighborhood Family Practice — an organization that provides comprehensive primary care and integrated services to 21,000 patients across seven sites in Cleveland and Lakewood.

Other panelists included the following.

• Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager, president and CEO, The MetroHealth System, who highlighted MetroHealth’s proactive approach to underserved populations by going beyond national standards for health screenings to meet community specific needs. Dr. Alexander-Rager noted that MetroHealth provides approximately $1 million per day in uncompensated care by supporting patients in a range of circumstances — from individuals facing high deductibles to those struggling to enroll in Medicaid — while ensuring continued access to care regardless of financial barriers.
• William Finn, president and CEO of Hospice of the Western Reserve, emphasized the responsibility of healthcare executives to be agents of change in their communities. He also spoke about the moral obligation leaders have to advocate for community needs--regardless of their position within the healthcare or political landscape.
• Daniel Lettenberg-Klein, CEO of Stella Maris, discussed the importance of reducing stigma around substance use and mental health by creating inclusive and community-centered spaces for recovery. He shared how Stella Maris addresses stigma by working to normalize recovery while engaging the broader community — not just those in recovery — and by empowering individuals to help others thrive.

Experience the full conversation by watching the panel on the WellLink YouTube channel and browse images from the event on the WellLink Facebook page.