November 20, 2023
Dear Community Members,
We hope this newsletter finds you all in good health and high spirits. We are excited to share with you some updates from the One Utah Health Collaborative (the Collaborative), a 501c3 nonprofit organization designed to make healthcare affordable and achieve positive outcomes through the lens of equity.
Grateful and Inspired: A Message of Thanks from Our Executive Director
Dear Collaborators,
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome I received as the new Executive Director of the Collaborative. Your hospitality, openness, and willingness to share your knowledge and expertise with me have been invaluable as I transition into this new role. Your guidance and support have helped me to acclimate, and I am confident that together we will make great strides in improving the health of our community.
It is essential to listen to the needs and concerns of community members to develop innovative solutions. My “listening tour” has provided valuable insights into the experiences of the consumer, providers, payers, employers, and government. We are committed to continuing this dialogue and ensuring that we remain responsive to the needs of our community.
I am pleased to report the Collaborative already has a diverse portfolio of programs under study that align well with goals and priorities outlined in our Charter and Metrics and Governance Structure. The projects validate our commitment to cost containment while providing exceptional care to the consumer through the lens of equity.
Once again, I want to thank you for your warm welcome and your ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. I look forward to continuing to work closely with you in the coming months and years.
Sincerely,
Jaime Wissler
Executive Director
Progress in Motion: Our 2023 Report to the Legislature on Achievements and Goals Ahead
In partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, we prepared our Fiscal Year 2023 Report to the legislature, highlighting a select number of innovative programs under study. We are proud to report that some innovative programs have shown early, promising results and we are optimistic about the positive impact they will have on Utahns. Please review the report for a summary of activity to date.
A Partner Fulfilling Its Pledge: Congratulations to Utah Medicaid
When the Collaborative was created, key members of the healthcare community, like the Department of Health and Human Services and Utah Medicaid, made commitments that aligned with the shared vision of equitable, person-centered care for Utahns. Utah Medicaid pledged to make this vision a reality by focusing on preventative services, whole-person integrated models, and payment incentives for defined, quality-based outcomes.
In the last legislative session, Utah Medicaid made significant advances in two of their pledges. OurMedicaid update, provided by Medicaid Director Jennifer Strohecker, gives specific information on the bills that were passed. We look forward to the positive impacts these pledges will make in the Utah community.
Join the Movement: Be a Catalyst for Change as an Innovation Advisory Committee Member
To ensure that we continue to evaluate new ideas and innovations effectively, we are establishing an Innovation Advisory Committee. This committee will be an integral part of the One Utah Health Collaborative’s operation by identifying gaps in the innovation landscape and the barriers to fill them. Additionally, they will review submissions from the community, assess how they align with the Collaborative’s mission, and determine the best ways the Collaborative can provide support.
We are seeking five-to-seven community-driven volunteers and encourage stakeholders to consider volunteering for this initiative. Please look out for an email that will be sent next week with instructions on how to apply.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare: Bring Your Marketing and Communications Expertise to Our Health Transformation Team
Join our team and make a difference in the lives of others as our Director of Communications and Marketing! In this key leadership role, you will have the opportunity to shape our organization’s messaging and branding, expand our reach, and increase awareness of our vision. We are seeking a strategic thinker with a passion for healthcare and experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns. If you are a creative, results-driven individual with a track record of success in marketing and communications, we want to hear from you. Apply today via Indeed and help us make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
Introducing Our Newest Team Members:
Meet John Poelman, our newest addition to the team! John will serve as the Director of Innovation, which includes overseeing the Collaborative’s efforts to support health innovations across Utah. John brings with him a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry, having previously worked as a Managing Principal at Leavitt Partners. With a Master’s in Public Health from George Washington University, John is well-equipped to help us drive transformative change in the healthcare sector.
During his time in Washington, D.C. as a Program Analyst with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, John focused on a value-driven health initiative. His expertise and knowledge of the healthcare industry will be invaluable in our efforts.
John is married with three young boys and loves travel, the outdoors, and ice cream. We’re excited to welcome John to our team and can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have on our mission to create a healthier future for all.
We are also thrilled to welcome Elise Saarela to our team! Elise will serve as our Program Manager and primarily be responsible for overseeing day-to-day program functions, special events, and support marketing and communications efforts. Elise holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Communication Magna Cum Laude from the Honors College at the University of Utah.
Previously, Elise worked with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team as an Events Administrative Contractor, Team Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee member, Sports Development Coordinator, and Communications and Special Events Coordinator.
Elise’s passion for equality efforts in Utah stems from her experience as a University of Utah representative at the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights. Alongside fellow students, Elise researched resources for refugees in Utah, and learned firsthand how disparities are in all facets of society, including healthcare, education, and child care. With her unique skill set and deep commitment to creating a more equitable world, we know Elise will be an invaluable asset to our team.
In her spare time, Elise enjoys skiing and hiking in the mountains, as well as spending time with her family. We can’t wait to see what she will achieve with us.
Sharing our collaborative vision: together, we can achieve great things!
We felt honored to deliver keynotes at the Utah Health Policy Project and Utah Health Information Network annual conferences. We appreciate the opportunity to share our vision and report progress on our mission through our many speaking engagements. This week, John Poelman is delivering a keynote to the 2023 CCME Conference presented by the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants. We are eager to share our vision and strategic plan, so please keep the invites coming!
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