Dear partner,
As the world continues to grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 public health crisis, Northwest Physicians Network (NPN) is inspired by
our partners working in health care and social services. Your expertise and commitment is more critical than ever as our communities navigate this new landscape.
We recognize that businesses and community members are facing new challenges as we work to manage a nation grappling with social distancing,
a struggling economy and, most important, a global pandemic that is stretching resources around the globe. The importance of creating a common infrastructure connecting health, human, and social service organizations has also never been more apparent.
To help take on this significant challenge, NPN — together with Community Health Plan of Washington and Kaiser Permanente Washington — has partnered with Unite Us to support the launch of a community network
in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties that connects community-based organizations, health care providers, and public agencies through Unite Us’ shared technology platform. The network aims to help address the social needs that have an impact
on individuals’ health and wellbeing, increase collaboration, and strengthen the existing initiatives that currently address the social care gaps and health inequities we see across our community. The launch of this regional network will be an initial step
toward the goal of having one united network across the state of Washington.
We are sensitive to the heightened stress put on our community partners due to the COVID-19 crisis. We realize that organizations are adjusting
to a new way of operating and providing services in the current situation, while often facing a growing need for services and support from the community. As a result, we have decided to proceed with developing and launching the platform and network available
in order to support any organizations that need a way to securely communicate with other partners about clients’ needs and relay real-time updates about their service provision in response to the COVID-19 crisis. At the same time, we recognize not all community
partners will have the bandwidth to participate at this initial stage of the network. We will welcome those partners to join the network as it makes sense for their organizations.
Participation in the network is free for community-based organizations and most community health centers.
Please see the
attached flyer for more detailed information about the network and platform.
We have made additional adjustments to the planned engagement activities to ensure virtual access and to streamline the onboarding process
for those organizations that decide to join at this time. In the coming weeks we will be holding virtual sessions for partners in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties to learn more about this initiative, identify areas of alignment and collaboration, and understand
the steps to participate. Please RSVP for the date that is most convenient for you. If you are not able to participate in a session at this time, we will provide opportunities to learn more in the future.
RSVP
for a Virtual Community Information Session
Tuesday, May 12: 11:30am-1pm PT
Wednesday, May 20: 2:30-4pm PT
Thank you for your expertise and leadership addressing social needs. We look forward to building this network together!
Thank you,
Melissa Haney, MA, LMFT, CCM | Northwest Physicians Network, Part of OptumCare
Manager of Community Partnerships & Behavioral Health Integration