Public invited to help shape future of local healthcare

Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization (EOCCO) will hold community meetings in each of the 12 counties it serves. EOCCO serves Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members throughout the 12-county region.

The meetings present an opportunity to learn about community-driven health improvement efforts, and to consider shared strategies under the state’s next phase of coordinated care, known as “CCO 2.0.”

“The greatest strength of Eastern Oregon communities is collaboration. As we move into a new era of coordinated care, Eastern Oregon is uniquely positioned to raise the bar on healthcare for the individuals and families who call this region home,” said Kevin Campbell, chief executive officer of EOCCO.

“We look forward to hearing from community members as we work together to build and consider new approaches to improving the healthcare system. Our commitment is better care and better health at lower costs for Eastern Oregon communities,” said Sean Jessup, EOCCO president.

Established in 2012, EOCCO serves about 50,000 members across a 50,000-square-mile service area — roughly the size of New York state.

“We’re really proud of the way the healthcare community has come together to form and support the CCO. Through these partnerships, we are rapidly becoming a nationwide model for success in rural communities,” said Robin Richardson, chief operating officer and board chair of EOCCO.

On Sept. 27, 2019, the Oregon Health Authority announced EOCCO’s five-year contract award as the coordinated care organization serving Oregon Health Plan members in the following counties: Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler.

EOCCO will enter its next contract cycle on Jan. 1, 2020. This fall, EOCCO will engage the public at meetings throughout the region.

“We believe in local decision-making and local solutions for better health in Harney County. The EOCCO model has brought us together to achieve just that,” said Jolene Cawlfield, Harney County Local Community Advisory Council chair.

The local meeting will be held from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Oregon DHS Offices, 809 W. Jackson in Burns.

The EOCCO team will hold community meetings in partnership with its affiliated Local Community Advisory Councils in each county. For more information about the upcoming meetings, please contact EOCCO at 541-298-2101 or visit www.eocco.com.