3 Takeaways from One Continuum 2024
Three trends, technologies, and topics we covered at One Continuum, the leading summit uniting stakeholders across the health and social care continuum.
Social care transformation doesn’t happen in one day.
But it doesn’t hurt to try.
That’s why we launched One Continuum, the premier summit dedicated to uniting key stakeholders who are reshaping the care continuum. For one impactful day, leaders from healthcare, health plans, government agencies, and community-based organizations (CBOs) converge to share insights, ignite inspiration, and drive actionable change. Together, we’re not just discussing the future of care; we’re actively creating it.
Last week in New York City, we hosted our third annual live One Continuum, and it was our biggest one yet!
With partners and industry experts joining us from organizations across the country, this year’s event covered the leading topics, technologies, and trends influencing our space. Here’s a look at three major themes that emerged from the day:
A Better Tomorrow: The Future of Integrated Healthcare
“We envision a healthcare ecosystem that is fully interconnected across the care continuum. Not just hospitals, not just ambulatory practices, but community-based organizations, social service agencies, payers, public health, government, long-term and post-acute care, mental health, and many others.” – Dr. Thomas Mason, Chief Medical Officer, ONC/ASTP, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Thomas Mason, Chief Medical Officer of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) / Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), delivered a compelling opening keynote about the need to transform our healthcare system to focus on technologies and strategies that support whole-person care.
With an integrated ecosystem that combines health and social services and tracks health outcomes, stakeholders across the care continuum are kept in the loop and patients receive the personalized, whole-person care they deserve. This approach breaks down silos and fosters collaboration between medical professionals, community organizations, and social services to address the full spectrum of individual needs.
“…advancing the use and interoperability of SDOH data is really important to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.” – Dr. Mason
At the heart of this integrated environment lies innovative social care referral technology, like Unite Us, which seamlessly integrates with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and provides SDoH screening and closed-loop referral tools—key drivers of enhanced efficiency and cross-functional collaboration. These points were a central focus during our dynamic ‘Beyond the Platform’ panel discussion.
Redefining ROI: The Impact of Social Care Programs
“So long as we operate in a limited resource environment, we have to change the way we talk about ROI.” – Brandon Wilson, COO, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
When launching a new program, the million-dollar question (in every sense) is: What’s the ROI?
But ROI for health and social care programs isn’t as simple as dollars and cents (nor should it be). To that end, redefining ROI involves shifting the focus from mere financial metrics to a broader view of value, emphasizing long-term outcomes and overall well-being. Instead of measuring success solely by immediate cost savings, ROI should encompass improvements in quality of life, enhanced patient satisfaction, and reduced long-term health complications.
“…I think with the ROI here, it is about bringing in those other things. How many days of school now are missed? Fewer. How many extra engagements in care management do you get? More. These are the impacts of our program…you have to link it to the broader community and the broader ROI.” – Jay Ludlam, Deputy Secretary, NC Medicaid
This holistic approach recognizes that investing in comprehensive, integrated care not only yields better health outcomes but also strengthens community resilience and fosters sustainable, meaningful improvements across the entire healthcare system.
Boots on the Ground: Championing Community Organizations
“Unite Us has been epic for our community in that it has enabled [us] to collaborate in ways we have not been able to before. There is no other network in the United States that has this number of advocacy organizations that are providing social service and emotional support to families…our goal is to create a network of support for these families so they are not isolated.” – Kim Hindery, Senior Program Manager, Child Neurology Foundation
None of this work would be possible without the incredible CBOs directly serving their communities.
These organizations have the unique ability to address the nuanced, culturally specific needs of individuals, ensuring that care is not only more accessible but also more responsive and equitable. Equipping CBOs with the tools, data, and network they need to better serve their communities not only improves overall health outcomes but also creates a strategic model for scalable growth.
“This platform has opened us up with larger health systems. It has found those people and introduced us to those people. Our partnerships are stronger than they have ever been because we were able to knock on those doors. It’s made us very intentional about having meetings with the people sending referrals to us, so we can better understand patients, and also understand what’s happening behind the referrals. ” -Lisa Laditka, Director of Outreach and Community Based Services, Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Supporting local entities that are deeply rooted in their communities fosters a more personalized and holistic approach to care. Investing in and empowering these organizations strengthens the overall infrastructure, leading to more sustainable and effective care models that can adapt to evolving community needs and contribute to better health outcomes on a systemic level.
What’s in Store for One Continuum 2025?
“My prediction for next year is people will be talking about how they are reimbursing…and we are going to be moving to the next continuum on how we work together using analytics as one community to drive proactive engagement to build a better experience for constituents, members, and patients.” – Dan Brillman, CEO, Unite Us
Next September, we’ll be taking on New York City for One Continuum 2025, which will likely focus on the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing today’s challenges.
The importance of individuals coming together, setting aside distractions, and working with a shared mission to drive real solutions will continue to be celebrated. Of course, there will always be a celebration of genuine partnerships that go beyond organizational boundaries, where people are not just discussing possibilities but actively exploring new ways to create meaningful impact.
Are you in?
About Unite Us
Unite Us is the nation’s leading software company bringing sectors together to improve the health and well-being of communities. We drive the collaboration to identify, deliver, and pay for services that impact whole-person health. Through Unite Us’ national network and software, community-based organizations, government agencies, and healthcare organizations are all connected to better collaborate to meet the needs of the individuals in their communities.
