Episode 11 of the
More than Health Care: A Community Health Conversation podcast is now available on the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities’ website and on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify. Every other week, a new episode uncovers keys to collaboration and holistic health in pursuit of improved health outcomes and lower costs for all.
From city mayor in Rockford, Illinois, to his current work as vice president of government relations at Marathon Health, Larry Morrissey uncovers interesting insights about systems of support in our communities.
Learn as he explains the unique ways Marathon Health is supporting its members by recognizing that social determinants provide a more in-depth insight into the need for services that are beyond the traditional medical aspects of community health. And by identifying these determinants and other related issues early in the healthcare process, Morrissey is confident that referrals for care will be more precise, address both medical and social aspects, and ultimately lead to better outcomes.
Morrissey also feels that employers are shifting their focus to become more involved while also recognizing the impact of social determinants on the health of their workforces. And he is quick to point out that it’s in their best interest, “The truth is all employers, especially larger ones that are self-insured, have realized that they’re in the healthcare business, whether they want to be or not.” In short, a healthy workforce means better productivity, “Healthy employees cost less. Healthy employees are more productive, they stick around longer; all the data supports those conclusions,” said Morrissey.
For the social services sector, Morrissey feels that organizations must reach out to employers within their areas of service to provide a better understanding of what they can provide. Whether this is done directly with an individual employer or collectively through business groups, Morrissey believes that the message needs to be delivered that a more robust vision of healthcare, including all aspects of social determinants, will leave a greater and more significant and positive impact in any given community.
Listen as Morrissey provides this insightful look inside Marathon Health's efforts to provide better outcomes for its members' employee health in Episode 11 of the More than Health Care Podcast available through the Alliance website or subscribe on the Apple Podcast, Google Play, or Spotify apps.
About the Podcast
While many are realizing that collaboration and holistic approaches are the solution, the health care and human services sectors are struggling to find the right formula to realize the full potential. The More than Health Care podcast is designed to help organizations overcome barriers to partnerships resulting from cultural differences, financial pressures, and rules and regulations.
In addition to showcasing inspiring examples of integration from across the country, featured experts will expose the myths, misconceptions, and shortcomings of efforts to address the social determinants of health through collaboration across sectors.
This podcast is presented by the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, Ascentria Care Alliance, and Beech Acres Parenting Center. Cohosts Jill Huynh, vice president of new business development at Beech Acres, and Tim Johnstone, executive vice president of community services at Ascentria, work at the intersection of health and human services, bringing the expertise and practical experience to uncover key takeaways for improving health care and human services integration.
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Learn more about the Alliance's efforts to improve population health and well-being.