Hospitals and health systems build effective community partnerships by aligning with and addressing community health priorities and authentically engaging local leaders and residents to collaborate in this work. From free health screenings to food pharmacies to investing in affordable housing and child care — when hospitals and health systems partner with communities, we can build a healthier future together.

The AHA has a long history of supporting and building on this work. The Hospital Community Collaborative, launched in 2018, now offers an online learning lab designed for hospital-based community health teams and their partnering organizations. The HCC curriculum — available at no cost — comprises six-modules that individuals and teams can move through at their own pace, with opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement and virtual coaching. The modules guide teams in many areas including:

  • Navigating the complexities of building a partnership.
  • Defining roles and responsibilities.
  • Understanding where the partnering organizations are — or are not — aligned.
  • Developing dashboards to track progress.
  • Creating a plan for governance.
  • Communicating the impact to stakeholders through compelling storytelling.

The new HCC Academy offers specialized workshops for individuals and teams looking for guided collaboration, strategy and communication tactics for their partnership work aimed to improve community health. Virtual workshops on Oct. 23 and 30 will focus on leveraging community data and sharpening storytelling skills.

Visit AHA.org to learn more about the HCC. You’ll find inspiring examples of how hospitals have used HCC tools and resources to advance collaborative efforts that improve community health and advance health equity. AHA’s Benefits to Communities webpage highlights more examples and resources about how hospitals and health systems support their communities.

Hospitals are deeply woven into the fabric of our communities. Whether rural or urban, small or large, every hospital and health system is advancing health through clinical practice, education and community partnerships. The AHA is proud to be a part of strengthening hospital-community partnerships to help ensure a healthier future for all. 

Related News Articles

Perspective
Public
All of America’s hospitals and health systems, regardless of ownership status, size or location, provide a vast range of benefits, programs and essential…
Headline
The House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee today hosted a hearing on tax-exempt hospitals. The AHA submitted a statement for the hearing, highlighting the…
Headline
Speakers interested in leading conversations and collaborations at the AHA’s new Healthier Together Conference are advised to submit a content proposal by Sept…
Blog
In this insightful conversation hosted by Nancy Myers of the American Hospital Association, we explore how Owensboro Health (Ky.) and CredibleMind are…
Headline
The AHA will accept applications through Oct. 14 for the 2026 AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award. This award recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate…
Headline
The AHA July 16 announced five winners of the 2025 AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award for their hospital-led collaborative efforts to improve community…