In Idaho’s Treasure Valley, home to nearly half of the state’s population, many residents face barriers in accessing the services and resources they need to support their health.1 A 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment led by the Western Idaho Community Health Collaborative (WICHC) identified the most pressing needs impacting the community.2 These include access to medical care, including behavioral health care, and support for social needs that can impact health outcomes. To help address these needs, UnitedHealthcare invested $50,000 to expand access to FindHelpIdaho.org, a comprehensive platform that connects community members with over 4,000 no-cost and reduced-cost services.
FindHelpIdaho offers 24/7 self-service access so that people across the state, including in rural communities, can access the resources they need. This investment underscores UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to improving health outcomes by increasing access to services and resources.
Addressing community needs
FindHelpIdaho, operated by United Way of Treasure Valley, is a vital component of WICHC’s efforts to foster healthier communities throughout western Idaho. WICHC was established in 2019 with a mission to transform the health landscape of Idaho's Health Districts 3 and 4, which collectively represent 10 counties in the Treasure Valley.3 WICHC is a unique coalition of local leaders from social services, public health, and community resources, all working in tandem based on the Collective Impact model to align their efforts and drive impactful change.
The 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment revealed challenges and opportunities in the region. The results of the assessment led to the development of a detailed implementation plan. One key strategy of the plan is to expand the use of FindHelpIdaho among local organizations and the public. This will support an overall goal of expanding access to resources to improve health outcomes.
Increasing awareness and access
The investment in FindHelpIdaho will significantly increase awareness and usage of this vital resource among the 43% of Idaho households that struggle to afford basic necessities.4 Funding from UnitedHealthcare will be directed toward training local community organizations to use and explain FindHelpIdaho. These community organizations support resources like access to healthy food, access to behavioral health care, and health education.
Since its inception in 2019, FindHelpIdaho has made a substantial impact on the community. Over 325,233 searches have been conducted, and the platform has helped 38,667 people find the resources they need. One of the critical factors contributing to FindHelpIdaho's success is its ability to compliment the state’s existing 211 network, a helpline that provides operators on a limited schedule (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). By offering a 24/7 service available in over 70 different languages, FindHelpIdaho ensures that individuals can access the information they need at any time.
To further amplify its reach, FindHelpIdaho has forged strategic partnerships with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across Idaho. These EMS agencies have received training on how to connect their patients to FindHelpIdaho programs and received materials to stock in their vehicles, allowing them to proactively help individuals access resources. This approach shifts the focus from crisis response to prevention, which can lead to better health outcomes and reduced health care costs.
The impact of FindHelpIdaho extends beyond just connecting individuals with resources and services. By addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes, FindHelpIdaho is contributing to a more resilient and healthier community. It also serves as a closed-loop referral system for local organizations to track referrals and outcomes.
FindHelpIdaho is actively addressing access to care and local resources in the Treasure Valley and beyond. Through their initiatives and UnitedHealthcare’s support, FindHelpIdaho is ensuring that more individuals and families can access the essential resources they need to thrive, supporting WICHC and UnitedHealthcare’s shared mission of building healthier communities in western Idaho.
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