Several behavioral health providers in Southern Arizona have banded together into a clinically integrated network that is using the ONEcare model and technology suite of consulting firm Blaze Advisors to support patients with behavioral health challenges through early disease identification and provider collaboration.
The members of the Integral Health Network of Southern Arizona, LLC (IHNSA) have formed a collaborative system of care, focused on improving coordinated access to behavioral health, primary care, and social services in order to decrease crisis events and unnecessary utilization of high-cost services. Participating organizations include CODAC Health, Recovery & Wellness, Community Bridges Inc. (CBI), Helping Ourselves Pursue Enrichment (HOPE) Inc., Horizon Health and Wellness, and La Frontera Arizona Inc.
IHNSA has contracted with Banner University Health Care (BUHC) to improve health outcomes for BUHC members suffering from co-occurring medical and behavioral health issues and is in negotiations to support other patient cohorts, as well.
“We truly are stronger together,” said Dan Haley, CEO of HOPE Inc., a peer- and family-run organization, in a statement. “Physicians and hospitals that refer to the IHNSA network can be assured of timely access, case consultation, social services, and case management support during care transitions.”
IHNSA describes itself as a high-performance network of behavioral and integrated health home providers with a statewide footprint across Arizona and beyond. IHNSA providers maintain a variety of culturally proficient outpatient and crisis response programs including individual and group therapy; medication management; peer support; mobile and facility-based crisis intervention; Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT); primary care; residential services; homeless outreach; affordable housing and wellness/recovery programs specific to Native health, veterans, women and children. IHNSA provides a vehicle for cross-collaborative affiliate agreements with social service, hospital, primary care, and medical partners to develop an integrative system of care.
With a specific focus on integrating behavioral health, primary care, hospitals, and social service providers, Wilmington, N.C.-based Blaze Advisors has experience developing clinically integrated networks, population health analytics, care coordination technologies, and clinical quality improvement programs. Each of its 11 “ONEcare” networks is augmented by a Care Optimization System that allows real-time communication, referrals, and insights to the patient's care team.
In June 2022, Blaze announced partnerships with Banner Health, Brookston Venture Capital and other investors. Banner University Health Plans (B-UHP) previously announced the launch of ONEcare networks across Arizona. At the time, Scott Nordlund, chief strategy and growth officer at Banner Health, said, “We’re excited about this partnership with Blaze Advisors, which will allow Banner to provide easier and better access to holistic care and will help lower costs for patients with behavioral health conditions. Our decision to invest supports Blaze in expanding their model to more communities nationally, including those we serve.”
