ClinicNet strengthens Colorado’s health care safety net by empowering organizations that serve vulnerable populations.

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Stepping into the Future

ClinicNet considered its past and present and then stepped boldly into the future when its ten-member leadership team held a strategic planning session.  Begun in the late 1990s, ClinicNet is what its name implies, a network of clinics providing care to low-income underserved and uninsured citizens in Colorado.  Having drawn together 30 clinics, created a report compiled from two data collection surveys, and actively encouraged the participation of clinics in Amendment 35, our organization is now recognized as a potential resource.  The time seemed right to be more intentional in both internal and external approaches to fulfill its mission to be “a collective voice to ensure that all organizations providing care to the medically underserved are recognized as part of Colorado’s health care safety net.” 

Our planning process included a comprehensive overview with specific plans developed to lead ClinicNet into a future that, through collaboration and intentionality, will provide health and hope for the medically underserved in Colorado.  As goals and objectives were considered, the lens through which our endeavors are viewed was determined.  The criteria we would utilize in making all decisions would be quality, collaboration, responsiveness, compassion and innovation. 

With this grounding, we stepped firmly into the future and identified specific five-year goals.  These revolve around a strong concern for the clinics themselves - that there be increased participation among rural, school and faith-based clinics.  The clinics’ ability to obtain funding from the Primary Care Fund must also be fostered, routine data collection should be standardized, and a variety of resources must be available to clinic patients.  Further, it was clear that the organization itself will be formally constituted with structure and staff and become recognized as the group representing clinics that are not federally qualified community health centers.  ClinicNet must become an active participant across the state, establishing its identity and being branded in such a way that it is valued and utilized as a resource for its members, the community and the state legislature.  Additionally, ClinicNet would have a voice at the state capitol and create awareness and educate around its mission.  It was also considered most important that there be agreement between ClinicNet and CCHN.

As specifics for the coming year were considered, our leadership team felt increased enthusiasm and excitement - the pace picked up.  We agreed upon objectives in the following areas and delineated timelines; the goals within each area building on each other during 2008.

• Operations/Structure – obtain 501(c)(3) incorporation with bylaws, identify a board with membership defined; identify a venue, hire a full time program director with job description, compensation package and technology in place; develop an employee manual.

• Partnerships/Alliances - identify partners; create communication strategy and plans to implement partner list; gain feedback in process of defining relationships and opportunities; use ongoing feedback to identify key projects for collaboration in 2008.

• Funding/Fiduciary Responsibility - develop and finalize a basic grant application; begin grant writing with CO Health Foundation grant and then continue grant writing process; identify additional funding sources and build a calendar; plan for long-term sustainability.

• Visibility/Public Relations/Clinic Engagement and Communication - establish website; prepare document on ClinicNet’s history and future; develop a membership list including school, rural and faith-based clinics as well as political, governmental and the broader community; distribute initial communication to members, hold a membership meeting and develop an e-newsletter; reach out face-to-face and by phone to gain input to determine needs and future programming; develop a quarterly communication

• Board Development - elect a chair and secretary; evaluate needed talent/representation and, based on passion and interests, begin recruitment; hold a board retreat; re-evaluate and plan strategy for 2008.

Plans for the coming year came easily so it was not surprising that team members quickly assumed responsibility for certain tasks.  Our commitment is obvious, our spirits high.  We concluded by agreeing that the overall objective for 2007 will be accomplished if the members say “as a ClinicNet member I am more effective as a safety net provider in today’s health care environment.”

Participants left the planning event not only with assignments firmly in mind, but with satisfaction that because of what had been produced we could say, “Watch us grow!”  We are  a strong team made up of executives in the field that recognize the needs of clinics and patients across the state and are committed to strengthening the delivery system.  A special thank you to COPIC and Alchemy, with their support and guidance ClinicNet is able to move beyond today - to take giant steps ahead.

Board of Directors | Data Collection | Strategic Direction