Hospitals and health systems build effective community partnerships by aligning their efforts with community health priorities and truly engaging community leaders and residents to collaborate on this effort. From free health screenings to food pharmacies to investments in affordable housing and child care, when hospitals and health systems collaborate with communities, we can build a healthier future together.
AHA has a long history of supporting and developing this work. Launched in 2018, the Hospital Community Collaborative now offers online learning labs designed for hospital-based community health teams and their partner organizations. The HCC curriculum, available for free, consists of six modules that individuals and teams can follow at their own pace, and also includes peer-to-peer engagement and virtual coaching opportunities. This module guides your team in a variety of areas, including:
Navigating the complexities of building partnerships. Define roles and responsibilities. Understand where partner organizations are or are not aligned. Develop a dashboard to track progress. Create a governance plan. Communicate impact to stakeholders through compelling storytelling.
The new HCC Academy offers specialized workshops for individuals and teams seeking guided collaboration, strategy, and communication tactics for partnership work aimed at improving community health. Virtual workshops on October 23 and 30 will focus on leveraging community data and improving storytelling skills.
To learn more about HCC, visit AHA.org. Find inspiring examples of how hospitals are using HCC tools and resources to advance collaborative efforts that improve community health and advance health equity. AHA’s Community Benefits webpage provides more examples and resources on how hospitals and health systems support their communities.
Hospitals are deeply woven into the fabric of our communities. All hospitals and health systems, whether rural or urban, small or large, are committed to advancing health through clinical care, education, and community partnerships. AHA is proud to help strengthen hospital-community partnerships to ensure a healthier future for everyone.
