Remaining focused on our community with the strength of a state-wide network

At the end of June, Winona Health, along with 18 other independent rural healthcare organizations, launched Headwaters High-Value Network.

As independent entities, forming this clinically integrated network puts all of us in a better position to overcome the ever-increasing challenges of being small, rural healthcare systems. A clinically integrated network involves collaborating on care coordination and administrative operations, things we have been doing at Winona Health. For example, together, we can share clinical expertise, identify opportunities for cost savings in supplies and equipment, and work with insurers to understand the unique situation of rural communities in order to preserve access to care and help our communities thrive.

Also exciting, we’ll be strengthening rural healthcare throughout the state. Through sharing clinical expertise, best practices and learnings, we continue to help our patients achieve the best outcomes while providing increasingly high-value care and services from our community’s perspective. We never lose our focus on the fact that as caregivers, we are here to take care of each person as they need us.

As a Headwaters High-Value Network board member, I’m working closely with leaders from other healthcare organizations in the network. I’m heartened to be part of a group that understands first-hand that the best way to serve the needs of our respective communities is to remain independent and focused on our communities. This protects our local board of directors’ ability to make strategic decisions and plans based on what is in the overall best interest of this community.

Ultimately, through this collaboration, we’ll develop increasingly innovative ways to control costs, share resources and improve care. Winona Health is this community’s asset. We’ll continue to steward our local resources to provide the care and services you and your family need today and for generations to come.

If you’re interested in learning more about our Headwaters High-Value Network, more information is available here: headwatersnetwork.org.

Rachelle Schultz, EdD President/CEO

Through this digital column, I hope to shine a light on what we’re working on both internally and beyond our walls in collaboration with other community-focused organizations.