The State of North Carolina has joined the “whole person care” movement with the launch of NCCARE360, a statewide coordinated care network connecting individuals to local services and resources.
The North Carolina effort and those in other regions are based on the idea that better coordination and investment in the non-medical drivers of health, like access to healthy food, safe and affordable housing, and well-paying jobs can improve health and decrease health care costs. Yet people often face a fragmented system of health and human services that can be difficult to navigate.
Through NCCARE360, community partners have access to a statewide resource data repository that will include a call center with dedicated navigators and a shared technology platform that enables healthcare and human service providers to send and receive secure electronic referrals, communicate in real-time, securely share client information, and track outcomes. This solution ensures accountability around services delivered, provides a “no wrong door” approach, and closes the loop on every referral made, according to the state.
NCCARE360 has officially launched in Alamance, Guilford, and Rockingham counties. The first rollout of the network launched with healthcare and community-based organizations, including Cone Health, Salvation Army Greensboro, Alamance Eldercare, Open Door Clinic, Greensboro Housing Coalition and Alamance Department of Public Health. The state’s goal is for the system to be available in every county in North Carolina with full statewide implementation by the end of 2020. Implementation efforts are under way in Wake and Johnston counties, which will be followed by Pitt, Edgecombe, Beaufort, Martin, Hertford, Bertie, and Chowan counties.
NCCARE360 is the result of a public-private partnership between the state Department of Health and Human Services and the nonprofit Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation. The implementation team includes United Way of NC, NC 2-1-1, Expound Decision Systems and Unite Us.
“To build a healthier North Carolina, we must build a system of health that unites health care and human services,” said DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, in a prepared statement. “NCCARE360 is a scalable, coordinated solution that makes it easier for providers, insurers and community organizations to connect people with the resources they need to be healthy and delivers value for all.”
