In the effort to reach improved health outcomes among targeted underserved populations (low income, rural areas), addressing issues related to access and utilization of culturally responsive services is important.This priority is directed toward efforts that increase the utilization of preventive services, standardize data measures and coordinate with integration efforts particularly related to behavioral health, and reduce the inappropriate use of emergency care.

The SHIP priority selection process during 2016 included brainstorming about what actions might be considered for each priority. Participants offered initial recommendations for action:

• Efforts to consider might focus around the integration of primary care and public health; tracking barriers to care; workforce capacity and utilizing community health workers; home based services and patient centered medical homes; and enhanced provider and system partnerships.

In January and February of 2017, each Priority hosted kick off meetings in which stakeholders began to define success, discuss direction and choose goals. Full action plans are expected to be developed by late summer 2017.