Working Together Toward Better Health Outcomes

This report captures and analyzes lessons from emerging cross-sector partnerships between health care organizations and community-based organizations working to address both the clinical and the social determinants of health.

Amidst policy change, new research, and a drive toward innovation, partnerships between health care organizations and CBOs are becoming more common. As the number of partnerships grows, so too does the number of partnership models. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, report results highlight several themes of how partnership is being implemented. It provides important lessons to inform partnerships that seek to improve access to care, address health inequities, and make progress on social issues like food, education, and housing.

The Partnership for Healthy Outcomes, a project of the Center for Health Care Strategies, Nonprofit Finance Fund, and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, captured and shared insights for partnerships, particularly those that serve low-income and/or vulnerable populations.

A companion set of case studies details successful partnerships serving varied populations and geographic areas across the country.