New center shows how healthcare can be reimagined in Columbus| Anthem Ohio president
Greg LaManna is the president for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicaid Health Plan in Ohio.
Improving health for everyone is possible. It begins by redefining health, reimagining the system, and strengthening our communities.
The physical aspects of health have traditionally been the focus and the priority for healthcare. However, unique life circumstances and experiences impact every individual and their health.
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Taking a step back and looking more broadly at what drives health, it’s clear that health should be redefined to include the social and behavioral factors with the physical.
Ohio communities face a wide range of challenges that impact their quality of life. These factors, known as social drivers of health, are “conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play,” according to the CDC.
As much as 80 percent of a person’s health status is influenced by social factors.
With this in mind, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield takes a whole-person approach in working with members and community-based organizations to improve health outcomes and make meaningful, sustainable advances to enhance overall wellness. We are committed to being present in the local community and connecting with members when they want and how they want it, putting them at the center.
Through the newly established Community Welcome Center located in the Short North, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield associates and experts will be able to connect members with health services and vital community resources in a way that’s most convenient for them.
The Anthem Community Welcome Center will meet members where they are and serve as a one-stop-shop for a wide range of information including help accessing food, housing, transportation, employment and healthcare, social and financial supports, as well as innovative technology.
Members will be able to talk with an Anthem associate about plan benefits including Medicaid redetermination, find or change doctors, referrals for case management and even support finding free or low-cost resources in the community.
Strengthening communities has a positive effect on health.
Building partnerships and creating connections within communities supports whole health. When we unveiled the new Anthem Community Welcome Center, we received a tremendous amount of community support from our local partners including a Certificate of Recognition from Mayor Andrew J. Ginther’s staff at the grand opening. We also provided funds to three local community-based organizations so they can continue to deliver on their mission including:
The African American Male Wellness Agency which aims to reduce disparities in premature death and chronic diseases among African American males.
Community Development for All People to improve the economic, social and spiritual quality of life for residents of Columbus’ South side.
LifeCare Alliance to provide a comprehensive array of health and nutrition services to residents of Central Ohio.
To support health more holistically, we also need to reimagine the health system. We must understand a more complete picture of each individual and their health needs which can help make healthcare more personalized and equitable.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio champions this whole health approach, and we are committed to approaching health with a broader view.
This focuses on supporting a person’s overall health, rather than on treating their conditions. It’s a person-centered, holistic approach that includes the physical drivers of health as well as the behavioral and social drivers of health.
This new innovative resource will provide community members with education, tools and resources so they can achieve optimal health and well-being with the intention of making access to care and resources simpler and more accessible.
To improve outcomes and equity, the healthcare system needs to redefine health. Partnering at the community level allows us to consider, identify, and address the most significant health drivers. When we do both, we can remove barriers and offer support for each person’s physical, behavioral, and social drivers that are most likely to maintain and restore their health.
Greg LaManna is the president for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicaid Health Plan in Ohio.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: New center in Short North example of how healthcare can be reimagined| Greg LaManna
