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Advancing Health Equity Using and Integrated Medical-Dental-Behavioral Health Care Model

Improving patient access and outcomes through integrated healthcare for vulnerable Wisconsinites

Full Project Name:Advancing Health Equity Using and Integrated Medical-Dental-Behavioral Health Care ModelPrimary Community Organization:Kenosha Community Health CenterPrimary Academic Partner:Joni Williams, MD, MPH, MedicineAward Amount:$250,000
Award Date
July2024
Project Duration:24 months

Project Summary:


Addressing the coordination of medical, dental, and behavioral health care is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations in Wisconsin.

This project aims to fully integrate these services at Pillar Health, operated by Kenosha Community Health Center, Inc., to enhance care access and quality. By implementing a fully integrated care team model with common governance, budgets, and incentives, the project seeks to improve patient outcomes such as increased rates of routine medical and dental check-ups, and closure of care gaps.

This approach not only aligns with statewide health improvement priorities, but also serves as a potential model for enhancing community health centers' capacity to deliver comprehensive, equitable care across Wisconsin.

Project Updates:


  • Continued consistent incremental changes and growth towards fully integrating medical, dental, and behavioral health services
  • Achieved increased health service integration at Pillar Health (Washington Road) which resulted in improved rates of patients' health, improved UDS measures, and increased receiving of primary medical and dental preventative care services when compared to other sites
  • Increased population of patients receiving both primary medical and dental care to 490 patients over the past two years
  • Implemented an RN lead position to support implementation and evaluation of supporting staff competence and proficiency in the integrated referral workflows


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