Transformational healthcare begins with planting the seeds of partnership. The coordinated care model, (coordinated care organizations or CCOs) are the fruits of these efforts. A CCO is a network of all types of healthcare providers who have agreed to work together in their local communities to serve people who receive healthcare coverage under the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). CCOs are focused on prevention and helping people manage chronic conditions, like diabetes, which helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and gives people support to be healthy. Today, there are 16 CCOs operating in communities around Oregon, and CMH was at the forefront of the first CCO in the nation, serving all of Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties.

With CMH’s administration and clinical leadership team at the table, alongside leaders from Tillamook Regional Medical Center, Providence Seaside Hospital, OHSU, Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare and many other dedicated community stakeholders, the Columbia Pacific CCO is focused on helping people in the region manage chronic health issues instead of treating them only when they become ill.

Like other medical and social service communities across the U.S., ours has been engaged in a mission to improve care for those affected by chronic pain, while also reducing intervention using prescription opiates. CMH was a contributor to the regional Opioid Summit in early 2016 and continues to be represented on the steering committee and task forces redesigning chronic pain and opioid addiction in our area.

Adverse childhood events (ACEs) have been shown to be a significant determinant of health throughout the lifespan. CMH is working with the Columbia Pacific CCO to pilot a program designed to provide interventions at the beginning of life in our Women’s Center and Pediatric Clinic to address ACEs as early as possible, with a goal of improving lives and outcomes.