Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals, health departments, and other health care providers in Western North Carolina were siloed from one another. Now, as a direct result of responding to this pandemic, they have developed relationships that will last beyond this crisis to advance the health of everyone in the region.

A new Medicaid system is emerging in North Carolina in which accountable care organizations will aim to improve both the quality and value of health care. We explore how local health departments can apply their expertise in population health to help achieve these goals.