What Makes ADK Wellness Connections Unique?

We’ve been asked how ADK Wellness Connections differs from other services, such as 2-1-1, that connect people to local resources. While there are many similarities, there are some key differences.

2-1-1 is a nationwide service connecting 14 million people to services each year. Similar to ADK Wellness Connections, 2-1-1 offers a robust online resource directory. Online users can enter their zip code and easily search for services within pre-defined categories such as Transportation, Food and Health Care.

2-1-1 is also an easy-to-remember telephone number to call for free and confidential referrals. Trained referral specialists are multi-lingual and have the information to make the right connections. They assist community members by connecting them to resources who can provide shelter, food, clothing, child care options and other types of assistance.

Similar to ADK Wellness Connections, 2-1-1 leverages a local community based organization in a coordination center capacity. For 12 counties in the Northeast Region, the United Way of the Greater Capital Region serves as the 2-1-1 coordination center.

As a reminder, the service area for ADK Wellness Connections covers nine counties and there are three local coordination centers to help connect community members to resources in their area:

1. Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) is the Coordination Center for Franklin, Clinton and Essex counties.
2. The Health Initiative is the Coordination Center for St. Lawrence County.
3. Family Service Association of Glens Falls, Inc. is the Coordination Center for Hamilton, Fulton, Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga counties.

ADK Wellness Connections helps community members get connected to local resources and enables real-time electronic referrals. Unlike other referral services, ADK Wellness Connections doesn’t stop once the referral is made. If a referral isn’t accepted within a timely manner, then it can be routed to another organization. Automated workflows on the leading Unite Us platform track referral progress.

In addition to this automation and transparency, ADK Wellness Connections provides a social determinants of health dashboard on its platform to ensure that all providers have access to the same information for the population they serve. The platform also tracks referral outcomes to help provider and community based organizations prepare for new payment models.

This coordination sets ADK Wellness Connections apart and brings a new type of referral network to the Adirondack region. If you know of an organization that would be a great addition to the network, please let us know at ADKWellConnects@ahihealth.org.