The St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund and Prevention Institute (PI) have worked together for many years to better understand the challenges health systems face in strengthening and building the power of community. The Intersections Initiative helps hospitals and regional stakeholders design community-based strategies to address community health issues that complement clinical coordination and population health efforts throughout the health system.

Through dialogue, discussion, training workshops, and strategy sessions, The Fund and PI engage community leaders, partners, and residents in a thoughtful planning period emphasizing the importance of moving from programs and services to policy and systems change. Together, they explore which issues have the most community-led support, identify strategies for impactful and equitable change, and ensure they have the right partners to lead to the most favorable outcomes.

The seven coalitions funded through the Intersections Initiative focus on housing, education, civic engagement, and economic stability. They take on these issues through comprehensive strategies, including creating policies, changing organizational practices, and strengthening systems to support health, wellness, and resilience. Moreover, since community prevention is the initiative’s focus, the strategies address multiple focus areas simultaneously, creating the potential for an even more significant impact.

While the initial term of Intersections was three (3) years, it is another example of the Fund’s desire to create and foster relationships that continue in perpetuity. PI and the Fund continue to work together to help community members achieve wholeness.