The Marion County Public Health Department is one of six community healthcare centers that have received a grant for the State Innovation Model Initiative as the latest part of Governor Terry Branstad’s “Healthiest State Initiative.”

Marion County Public Health along with healthcare providers in Dallas, Sioux, Des Moines, Linn and Webster counties will use the funds to make broad system and payment reforms over a three-year period. Marion County Public Health Director Kim Dorn tells KNIA/KRLS News that the effort will bring together the resources of many health resources in the county for better health outcomes. Changes will include value focused payment reform, health care models focused on population, and integrating public health strategies into the way healthcare is delivered.