Virtual Panel: Bringing Innovative Health Care Solutions to Address Population Needs

About this event

The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of California, hosted a virtual panel on Meeting Members Where They Are: Bringing Innovative Health Care Solutions to Address Population Needs. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell offered welcoming remarks before a panel of experts moderated by Steinberg Institute chief executive officer Karen Larsen.

The panel of experts from across California discussed how California organizations are implementing innovative programs to meet people where they are to address needs beyond traditional health care settings. These efforts parallel the state’s work to transform the Medi-Cal system to better address prevention and whole person care. Panelists spoke about models to improve care in underserved communities, including people experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those struggling with substance use disorder.

Supervisor Mitchell opened the panel by highlighting her efforts in Los Angeles County, stating, “ensuring access to high-quality health care and needed County services for such a diverse district requires finding innovative solutions that are responsive to constituent needs. The Covid-19 pandemic put a sharp focus on pre-existing health care, housing and homelessness issues that have grown worse over the last two and a half years. Addressing social determinants of health and investing in innovative strategies are critical for increasing health care access and quality.”

“Molina’s top priority is improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations and we are proud to partner with organizations that are successfully deploying innovative programs to do just that,” said Abbie Totten, plan president for Molina Healthcare of California. “Providing whole-person care requires a broader way of thinking and a willingness to advance new models to meet the needs of people in the context of their unique needs.”

The panel of experts included Bethany Divakaran, nurse program manager for the Transitions Clinic Network; Gabriel Maldonado, chief executive officer and founder, TruEvolution; and Meredith Schanda, senior director of clinic operations, MAVEN Project.