Integrated Care

CARING FOR THE
WHOLE PERSON

For behavioral health, that means providing a service isn’t enough—we must ensure services are integrated with physical healthcare. That means there should be “No Wrong Door” for patients. Even if one provider can’t directly address a behavioral health challenge, they should be able to point patients toward the appropriate resources. And connecting people to services is just the first step. Truly integrated care includes patients and providers partnering to coordinate care, co-manage illnesses and challenges, and work holistically toward a healthier patient.

Integration also means thinking outside the traditional definitions of healthcare. We know that food can be medicine, schools can help young people establish healthy habits, and treating social isolation among older adults can prevent more harmful diseases. The Health Fund is helping to weave together the varied pathways to health, closing gaps and looking for opportunities to improve efficiency, ultimately helping Michigan residents achieve healthier outcomes.

Across our grantmaking, we support proposals to develop and expand innovative and cost-effective integration models that coordinate care, services, and community resources in ways that promote the health of children and older people.