MetroHealth’s Institute for H.O.P.E. and School Health Program Join the Better Health Pathways HUB

We’re excited to welcome The MetroHealth System’s Institute for H.O.P.E. and School Health Program to the Better Health Pathways HUB. As leaders in addressing the social drivers of health — from housing and food access to transportation and education — these programs bring deep community partnership and expertise to our coordinated approach that connects residents to trusted CHWs and essential resources across Cuyahoga County.

This collaboration builds on years of shared work supporting families across the region. Matt Rosenblum, Director of the Better Health Pathways HUB, reflected on the significance of expanding this relationship at a moment when more adults are navigating chronic conditions and barriers to coverage. “Our Pathways HUB is thrilled to partner with the CHW teams and leadership of MetroHealth’s Institute for H.O.P.E. and School Health Program,” he shared. “Since our HUB was certified by the Pathways Community HUB Institute in 2020, we have had a strong relationship with MetroHealth’s expert CHWs supporting pregnant clients, and we are excited to expand our partnership to support more adults in Cuyahoga County who are managing chronic conditions and seeking support with care and coverage access.”

For MetroHealth, integrating the HUB Model represents a strategic step toward strengthening its Primary Care Community Health Program and deepening the support available to patients with complex needs. Andrea Colson, Director of Social Work and Population Health for The MetroHealth System, emphasized how this alignment will enhance care coordination. “We are excited to partner with Better Health Partnership as we strengthen our Primary Care Community Health Program. By adopting the Pathways HUB Model into our workflows, we will be able to connect patients more strategically with services tailored to their unique needs, ensuring meaningful support and improved outcomes.”

She also spoke to the collaborative spirit that has shaped the partnership behind the scenes — a foundation that will continue to guide the work ahead. “Working with the Better Health Partnership team has been a wonderful experience. Their responsiveness, accessibility, and commitment to problem‑solving have made them an invaluable partner. They are always willing to discuss potential workflow challenges and collaborate on solutions that support both our teams and the patients we serve. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our patients and to the increased sense of fulfillment and job satisfaction our team will experience as they witness the meaningful difference they are making in the lives of others.”

Josh McLaughlin, Director of MetroHealth’s School Health Program, also highlighted how the Pathways HUB Model will strengthen support for students and families. “MetroHealth’s School Health Program is excited to join the Better Health Pathways HUB because it will give our community health workers a more structured and coordinated approach to addressing the health-related social needs of students and families. Our CHWs help families navigate barriers involving healthcare coverage, food, housing, transportation, and access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services. These needs can affect both a student’s health and ability to succeed in school. Through the HUB model, we plan to strengthen how we identify needs, coordinate referrals, follow up with families, and document outcomes. The model will also bring greater clarity and rigor to our data, helping us understand what happens after a referral, identify where connections are breaking down, and focus our resources and improvement efforts where they can have the greatest impact.”

Together, we’re expanding pathways to better health for residents, students, and families across Cuyahoga County.