Stronger Together: A Successful Model of Health System-Community Collective Action During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: Background: Discontinuity between health care delivery systems and community-based organizations is a significant barrier to improving population health. Objective: To describe the facilitators and barriers experienced by a health system–community partnership 15 months after implementation. Methods: Coalition members who led committees within the coalition or had active, sustained participation in coalition activities were invited to participate. Qualitative interviews used a semi-structured interview guide that elicited information on coalition functioning. A content analysis used inductive and deductive codes which were reviewed using a consensus process. Final themes centered on factors that facilitated or impeded the coalition’s success in supporting community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons Learned: Coalition stakeholder perspectives identified several critical factors: defined governance, a culture of trust that accelerates learning, reliable resources, and a health-care anchor organization committed to shared investment. Conclusions: Lessons from this endeavor contribute to a deeper understanding of successful practices for health system-community partnerships.