Community-Centered Health Homes: Bridging the gap between health services and local violence prevention efforts

Violence is among the most serious health threats in the nation today. It is a leading cause of injury, disability, and premature death. Moreover, violence and fear of violence are major factors that worsen health disparities across populations. Violence is preventable. Evidence has shown that successful community level strategies that increase safety and reduce violence require comprehensive, collaborative and strategic plans. Local public health departments have unique skills for executing community prevention strategies that bring sectors together. Likewise added investment in community prevention and population health via the Affordable Care Act has strengthened the case for health care institution involvement in addressing community violence.

Currently there is an unique opportunity to connect multiple sectors to preventative efforts that address violence on a community level. One key opportunity is to integrate clinical service delivery with community prevention in order to reduce demand for resources and services; improve health, safety, and equity outcomes; and provide medical providers with skills and strategies to change the social circumstances that shape the health of their patients. This session presents the concept and elements of a “community-centered health home” (CCHH). The CCHH takes a step further than existing models by encouraging health care institutions to take an active role in improving their surrounding community's health and safety, in addition to their individual patients. The defining attribute of the CCHH is active involvement in community advocacy and systems change.