Each year, The John A. Hartford Foundation and USAging’s Aging and Disability Business Institute honor exemplary models of effective contracting partnerships between community-based organizations (CBOs) and health systems with The John A. Hartford Foundation Business Innovation Award. In 2022, this annual distinction was given to Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities (DHAD) for its partnership with Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in their work with Medical Mutual of Ohio to create the Transitional Care Program. The Business Institute’s latest publication, Building Collaborative Contracts with Health Care: Direction Home Akron Canton and Medical Mutual of Ohio, details the success of the program in supporting older adults and people with disabilities as they transition from hospital stays back to their homes.
“DHAD exemplifies the innovative partnerships needed among community-based organizations, health systems and payers to provide critical services such as care transitions support, medication management, evidence-based health programs and social care interventions that improve health outcomes and equity. DHAD serves as a beacon for other Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and community-based organizations doing this important work across the country,” said Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, President of The John A. Hartford Foundation.
This Success Story describes the innovative collaboration model DHAD helmed while serving as the Community Care Hub (formerly known as the Network Lead Entity) for Ohio’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in their work with Medical Mutual of Ohio.