PRIORITY 2: ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES
Access to timely and affordable healthcare is essential to improving health outcomes. The 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment identified affordability, insurance coverage, provider shortages, wait times, transportation and healthcare navigation as significant barriers, particularly for populations experiencing greater barriers to care. Improving access requires coordinated efforts to reduce these barriers and connect people to needed care and resources.
GOAL:
By 2029, improve access to preventive and routine healthcare services by increasing routine checkups, expanding insurance coverage, and increasing first trimester prenatal care utilization through collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, community organizations, and outreach initiatives.
KEY STRATEGIES:
• STRATEGY 2.1: Strengthen Health Insurance Coverage Navigation o Help eligible individuals enroll in, renew and maintain health insurance coverage as requirements and policies change.
• STRATEGY 2.2: Improve Maternal and Child Health Access o Connect pregnant individuals, children and families to healthcare and community services that support healthy pregnancies, births and childhood development.
• STRATEGY 2.3: Expand Access to Care in Underserved Communities o Reduce barriers and expand access to healthcare and support services for rural and underserved communities.
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