Partners in Health: Redefining the Possibilities of Health Care

We're saving lives, restoring networks, and changing overall prosperity." This powerful statement encapsulates the mission of Partners in Health (PIH), an organization dedicated to providing high-quality medical care to underserved populations. PIH is more than just a healthcare provider; it is a collective of health professionals, scientists, and activists united by the goal of making modern medical science accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Origins and Growth of Partners in Health

Partners in Health was founded in 1987 by Dr. Paul Farmer, Ophelia Dahl, Jim Yong Kim, Todd McCormack, and Thomas J. White. What began as a mission to deliver healthcare to impoverished communities in Haiti has since expanded globally? PIH now operates in several countries, including Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Peru, Mexico, Russia, the Dominican Republic, and the Navajo Nation in the United States. Additionally, PIH collaborates with numerous partner organizations across various regions to further its reach.

The Foundational Belief: Health as a Human Right

The fundamental belief driving PIH is that health is a human right that should be universally accessible. Cofounder Paul Farmer is a vocal advocate for this principle, stating, "The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world." This conviction underpins PIH's commitment to delivering healthcare to the most vulnerable populations and advocating for systemic changes to address health inequities.

PIH's Comprehensive Approach to Healthcare

PIH employs a multifaceted approach to healthcare that includes service delivery, training, research, and advocacy. This comprehensive strategy ensures that the organization not only provides immediate medical care but also works towards long-term solutions for systemic health issues.

1. Service Delivery: PIH offers a wide range of medical services, from primary care to specialized treatments, ensuring that even the most remote communities receive quality healthcare.

2. Training: The organization invests in training local health professionals, thereby building sustainable healthcare systems that can continue to operate independently.

3. Research: PIH conducts extensive research to understand and address the root causes of health disparities. Their findings help shape better health policies and practices worldwide.

4. Advocacy: PIH advocates for human rights and equitable health policies, striving to influence global health agendas to prioritize the needs of the underserved.

Success Stories and Impact

PIH's impact can be seen in its numerous success stories. In Rwanda, for instance, PIH's initiatives have dramatically improved healthcare outcomes. The organization has helped reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, combat infectious diseases, and improve overall community health. Similar successes have been replicated in other countries, demonstrating PIH's ability to adapt its model to different contexts effectively.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite its successes, PIH faces significant challenges, including funding constraints, political instability in some regions, and logistical issues in delivering care to remote areas. However, the organization's resilience and innovative approaches have enabled it to overcome many of these obstacles. For example, in response to funding challenges, PIH has developed robust partnerships with governments, nonprofits, and private sector organizations to secure the necessary resources.

The Role of Technology in PIH's Work

Technology plays a crucial role in PIH's efforts to deliver quality healthcare. The organization leverages electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and mobile health (mHealth) solutions to improve patient care and streamline operations. These technological advancements have been particularly beneficial in remote areas, where access to healthcare facilities is limited.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, PIH aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact. The organization plans to enter new regions, build more partnerships, and continue its advocacy for global health equity. PIH also intends to invest further in technology and innovation, exploring new ways to deliver care more efficiently and effectively.

A Conversation with Adrienne Shark of Unite Us

To gain additional insights into collaborative efforts in the healthcare sector, we spoke with Adrienne Shark, Senior Director of the Community Based Organization Partnerships division at Unite Us. Unite Us is a technology company that connects health and social care providers to better address social determinants of health.

Interview with Adrienne Shark

Q: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Unite Us?

Adrienne Shark: Hi, I am Adrienne Shark, the Senior Director for Community Based Organizations Partnership at Unite Us. My journey began after graduating from West Point in 2006. I served as a platoon leader in the U.S. Army, leading soldiers in Iraq and at Fort Hood, Texas. These experiences shaped my worldview and eventually led me to pursue impact driven work in the civilian sector. I joined Unite Us because of its mission to connect communities with health and social care services. Unite Us creates the infrastructure to bring all stakeholders—healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations—to the same table to improve health outcomes nationwide.

Q: What are Unite Us' goals, and how does its end-to-end solution work?

Adrienne Shark: Unite Us aims to connect health and social care services to address social determinants of health comprehensively. Our platform allows providers across sectors to send and receive secure electronic referrals and track outcomes, creating a coordinated and efficient care ecosystem. Over the past eight to nine years, we've learned that this work requires a long-term vision. As healthcare's focus has shifted towards value based care, our solution has evolved to include robust data analytics to identify service gaps and outcome trends. We also facilitate the enrollment of clients in services and advocate for community investment. Without these components, we cannot advance health for our communities effectively.

Q: How does Unite Us address health disparities, and what more can be done to ensure equitable healthcare access?

Adrienne Shark: Historically, efforts to improve health in the U.S. have focused primarily on the healthcare system. However, there is growing recognition that social, economic, and environmental factors significantly impact health outcomes. Currently, a person's ZIP code often determines their health and life expectancy more than any other factor. Unite Us is committed to making health equity more than just a buzzword. Since March 2020, we've seen a 287% increase in electronic referrals for services like food assistance and financial support, impacting 1.5 million lives last year alone. The pandemic highlighted existing disparities, and now we have the opportunity to drive substantial change. Leaders in government and healthcare are increasingly committed to addressing social determinants of health, and we are seeing significant investments in social care. However, the lack of a coordinated system continues to challenge progress. Unite Us' technology is advancing health equity by connecting people to the care they need, regardless of their circumstances.

Q: What communities has Unite Us partnered with, and what future partnerships do you envision?

Adrienne Shark: Unite Us is active in 45 states and aims to be operational in all 50 states by the end of 2022. We have established statewide networks in several states, including North Carolina, Virginia, and Delaware. As we expand, we strive to ensure that our network reflects the communities we serve and fosters an inclusive environment where all stakeholders are supported in health, career, and wellbeing.

Q: How do you incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into your work at Unite Us?

Adrienne Shark: Our team is diverse in many ways—gender, race, geography, age, ability, and experience. We share a collective commitment to our mission of advancing solutions that empower people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. As we grow and expand nationwide, we work to ensure that our network reflects the communities we serve and builds an environment where all stakeholders are supported in health, career, and wellbeing. In collaboration with our DEI team, our cross functional DEI council supports and drives impact focused initiatives and provides feedback to uphold our values and foster an equitable and inclusive environment.

Conclusion

Partners in Health is redefining the possibilities of healthcare by making it accessible to the world's most underserved populations. Through a combination of direct service delivery, training, research, and advocacy, PIH is not only saving lives but also challenging and changing the systemic issues that contribute to health disparities. By collaborating with organizations like Unite Us, PIH continues to expand its impact, working towards a future where health equity is a reality for all.