A Multi-sectored Partnership

Fletcher Allen Health Care's Community Benefit Committee
Burlington, VT

About the Initiative:
In January 2012, Fletcher Allen formed a committee to oversee the hospital's community benefit fund. Previous to this, the fund was predominantly under the direction of the Community Health Improvement Office. The Community Benefit Committee includes six hospital employees, six community members and is chaired by the hospital's chief medical officer. Community members represent wide-ranging organizations, including members from the Burlington Police department, United Way and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. This multi-sectored partnership has brought revitalization and significantly more diverse input into understanding the community health needs and awarding community benefit grants to different organizations.

Objectives:
The committee's overall charge is to oversee and provide review, consultation and recommendations regarding the allocation of funds to support community benefit initiatives. This past year, the committee reviewed and prioritized needs from Fletcher Allen's community health needs assessment and identified five areas upon which to focus future funding:

• Access to food and nutrition;
• Dental health (especially children);
• Mental health (especially children);
• Removing barriers to care (affordability, language, transportation); and
• Senior issues (caregiving, safety, well-being).

Required Resources:
A strong chair who can manage the many personalities and viewpoints of the committee members.

Advice for Colleagues:
Spend time early on ironing out process and expectations. Extended meetings are a great way to get through these items.

For further information, please see the Fletcher Allen Health Care website.