Partnerships between New York City health care institutions and community-based organizations

While New York City-based health care organizations (HCOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs)share the mutual goal of serving the needs of their patients and clients, the extent to which they have effectively partnered to address social needs that impact health has varied. Now, partnerships between these organizations are gaining increased attention and support in the context of health care reform and addressing social determinants of health. This has been catalyzed by the New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program and Medicaid Roadmap to Value-Based Payment (VBP), both of which require CBO engagement as part of health care and population health improvements. As these programs evolve, policymakers, HCOs, and CBOs are seeking additional information on how to best partner to support the needs of their patients, clients, and communities. This report details partnering experiences, challenges, and facilitators as discussed in focus groups and key stakeholder interviews with representatives from New York City HCOs and CBOs. The report also details actionable information for HCOs and CBOs seeking to enter into or enhance existing partnerships.