National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships
VHA National Community Partnership Challenge
The VHA National Community Partnership Challenge (CPC) is an annual event recognizing outstanding partnerships that advance the health and well-being of Veterans and their communities. The CPC is facilitated by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) on behalf of the Office of the Under Secretary for Health.
Since 2014, the CPC has recognized recipients for their efforts in a variety of areas, including suicide prevention and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) – the social, economic, and physical factors in people's surroundings where they live, work, socialize, worship, and age. These partnerships play an instrumental role in closing gaps in care and improving the health and well-being of Veterans.
Announcing the Winners of the 2024 National CPC
The theme for the 2024 CPC was Bridging the Gap Through Partnership.
The submission period for the 2024 CPC ran from January to March 2024, and 41 organizations submitted applications that met the required judging criteria and posed innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families. VHA employees at medical facilities, health care centers, community-based outpatient centers, clinics, and program offices were eligible to submit an entry.
To commemorate CPC’s 10th year, HAP hosted the inaugural VHA National Partnership Showcase In August 2024. The following 3 winners were selected for their alignment with the principles of a High Reliability Organization, filling critical gaps in services and care to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
VA Central California Health Care System – Central Valley Veterans – “Giving a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out”
Partnership Overview: This collaboration addresses the critical needs of homeless Veterans, offering them employment education, transportation, and financial assistance to promote their long-term stability and success.
Key Features:
- Provides employment education advocates and facilitates hiring for Veterans.
- Offers transportation for job interviews and financial assistance for utilities.
- Ensures 24/7 access to resources for Veterans' immediate needs.
Impact: The partnership provides Veterans with essential resources to sustain success, offering continuous service and support that fosters stability and empowerment.
VA North Florida South Georgia Health Care System – Wekiva Springs, University of Florida, St. Simon by the Sea, Georgia Pines Community MH/DD/AD Services, and Archbold Northside – “Reducing Suicide Risk by Meeting Veterans in Non-VA Facilities”
Partnership Overview: This initiative involves five community partners working with the VA Suicide Prevention team to reduce the risk of Veteran suicides by meeting Veterans in non-VA facilities and connecting them to necessary care.
Key Features:
- Collaborative efforts between VA and community-based partners to provide timely interventions.
- A referral process that immediately notifies VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators when a Veteran presents with suicide ideation or attempts at partner facilities.
- Suicide Prevention Coordinators meet Veterans on-site and connect them to care before discharge.
Impact: By leveraging community partnerships, this initiative has reduced the risk of suicide among Veterans, ensuring early intervention and seamless transitions into care.
VA San Diego Health Care System – Us4Warriors – “Closing the Food Gap for Veterans”
Partnership Overview: This partnership connects the VA’s Food Empowerment Program with Us4Warriors to address food insecurity among Veterans, providing them with immediate access to nutritious food and related services.
Key Features:
- Offers immediate access to food resources for food-insecure Veterans.
- Combines food assistance with social work and nutrition services.
- Educates Veterans on sustainable ways to access food in their local neighborhoods.
Impact: The partnership meets the nutritional needs of Veterans while promoting self-sufficiency through education and community resource connections, improving the overall quality of life for food-insecure Veterans.
Celebrating 10 Years of the National Community Partnership Challenge
A decade of innovation, collaboration, and impact – that's what the VHA National Community Partnership Challenge has achieved as it marks its tenth anniversary. For 10 years, this annual event has been a beacon of excellence in fostering partnerships among VA medical centers, health care centers, community-based outpatient centers, clinics, program offices, and VHA employees, bringing together the spirit of service and commitment to improve the lives of Veterans and their families. Veterans who have found stable housing, received crucial mental health support, and gained new job skills are a testament to the transformative power of partnerships.
HAP proudly celebrates a decade of the VHA National Community Partnership Challenge and acknowledges the countless success stories that have emerged from collaborations.
For more information, contact VHA_Partnerships@va.gov.
- Partnership with Mediflix Enhances Access to Health care Information
- CPC Highlights Innovative Partnerships that Support Veterans
- Partnerships deliver commitment to enrich the lives of Veterans: Winners of the 2023 National Community Partnership Challenge
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