Meeting community needs
Jackson Care Connect has made significant strides in expanding access to health care in Jackson County, where it now covers about 67,000 people—roughly 1 in 4 residents.
Since becoming part of the CareOregon family in 2012, JCC has worked to ensure that more people, especially those who were previously uninsured or underserved, have reliable access to medical, mental and dental care, as well as substance use disorder treatment. Over the years, JCC has also tackled some of the community's most pressing challenges, including rising behavioral health needs (both mental health and substance use disorder), workforce development, access to care for youth, and more.
“Our community’s needs have evolved over the years and filling these gaps has been crucial to ensuring individuals and families get the care they deserve,” said Jennifer Lind, Jackson Care Connect CEO.
"We've supported projects and partnered with community-based organizations to address these challenges and to improve access to quality health care. This includes increasing capacity for behavioral health services, expanding access to health care through our network of traditional health workers, among many other efforts."
Addressing gaps in mental health and substance use disorders
Jackson County faces a rising demand for behavioral health care, with limited access to critical services like withdrawal management and residential treatment. JCC has addressed this through continued investments in partner programs, including $4.5 million for the Addictions Recovery Center for its work in withdrawal management and $3.5 million for OnTrack Rogue Valley, for its family treatment campus.
Through a long-term partnership with ColumbiaCare, JCC has also helped add supportive housing, funding transitional and permanent housing options for individuals with behavioral health needs.
Investing in workforce development
Navigating health care systems can be overwhelming for many in the community, especially those with complex health needs. JCC has responded by strengthening the Traditional Health Worker (THW) network, including supporting the expansion of the recovery peers and doula networks, including bilingual doulas. Both roles guide members to the resources they need and provide critical support.
JCC is working with several community-based organizations to support and expand traditional health workers services by supporting training to certify THWs. This effort improves members' overall access to care by helping them navigate complex health care systems and connect to needed resources.
Innovative partnerships
Accessing care can be a challenge for members with mobility issues, complex needs or those facing crises. JCC prioritizes finding innovative ways to connect members to care. Its partnership with Mercy Flights is a notable example of a nimble partnership that meets members where they are. Mercy Flights' Mobile Integrated Healthcare team delivers health care directly to members in various settings. These teams provide personalized services such as home safety checks, medication management, and flu and COVID vaccine clinics.
Over the years Mercy Flights has been a critical partner in serving highly vulnerable populations, including supporting unhoused members during the pandemic and delivering air filters to high-risk individuals during wildfire seasons.
Expanding health care access for youth
Jackson County's children face significant health care and mental health needs, with JCC covering the health care needs of more than half of all kids in the region. JCC has worked to expand school-based health centers, providing convenient on-campus access to primary and mental health care for students.
Knowing that many families rely on schools for behavioral health referrals and resources, JCC has also strengthened relationships between schools and behavioral health providers through Behavioral Health in Schools summits. JCC has also played a lead role in creating the Jackson Youth System of Care, which helps families navigate mental health supports. These initiatives ensure that young people and their families have the tools and care they need.
Since 2012, JCC's focused efforts have significantly improved health outcomes in Jackson County. By expanding access to behavioral health services, strengthening the Traditional Health Worker network, fostering innovative partnerships like the one with Mercy Flights, and supporting youth through school-based health initiatives and mental health programs, JCC has addressed some of the community's most pressing challenges. These targeted efforts have helped ensure better care, stronger support systems and healthier futures for the people of Jackson County.
"As we look to the future, we'll keep working to strengthen our community," Lind said. "We'll continue reinvesting funds to support critical areas that serve our members both inside and outside the clinic and championing the needs of our community while uplifting our incredible network of partners."
