IHN-CCO Invests $1.7 Million to Address Health Inequities January 24, 2025 InterCommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization (IHN-CCO) has committed $1.7 million to improve health equity across Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties, backing 16 full-scale pilot projects and 14 grassroots initiatives led by historically excluded communities and new partners. Approved by IHN-CCO’s Delivery System Transformation Committee (DST), the funding seeks to eliminate systemic health barriers, marking a major step toward the Oregon Health Authority’s goal to eradicate health inequities by 2030. This year’s funding supports a wide range of initiatives, from expanding affordable housing and behavioral health services to providing culturally specific care and boosting social services access. The DST, a committee of social service, health care and community leaders, focuses on transforming health systems through innovative community-led solutions. By investing in projects that address root causes of inequity, the DST aims to help create a future where all Oregonians have access to fair, quality care. “Supporting these projects is one of the most impactful ways we can drive meaningful change in our communities,” said Beck Fox, IHN-CCO health equity liaison and DST co-chair. “This funding will help eliminate barriers to health, advance racial justice and ensure that community voices are central to health system transformation.” Empowering Community-driven Change Projects were selected through a competitive request-for-proposals process, prioritizing urgent needs outlined in IHN-CCO’s 2024 Community Health Improvement Plan, developed with input from IHN-CCO’s Community Advisory Council and the Partnership for Community Health. Key focus areas include access to quality health care, affordable housing, behavioral health, and initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism. Pilot projects will launch in January 2025, and capacity-building initiatives began this fall. Each project focuses on reducing barriers and advancing health equity in underserved communities, reflecting IHN-CCO’s commitment to sustainable, community-led solutions. Highlighted Awardees & Programs Recipients include local organizations dedicated to serving communities disproportionately impacted by health inequities, such as the Benton County Health Department, Jackson Street Youth Services, Corvallis Housing First and Willamette Trans Support Network. Initiatives range from mental health services for youth to programs aimed at strengthening food security and housing access, each contributing to building healthier, more resilient communities. This investment builds on IHN-CCO’s decade-long commitment to population health, with over $27 million invested in innovative, community-centered health care solutions. About InterCommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization Since 2012, IHN-CCO has worked to improve health outcomes across Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties through collaborative partnerships and community-driven initiatives. Serving more than 80,000 Oregon Health Plan members, IHN-CCO collaborates with county health departments, health care providers and community-based organizations to enhance access to quality care. For more information on how IHN-CCO and the DST are advancing health equity, visit ihntogether.org.
