Elements of Strong Clinics
More than ever, today's realities test community clinics' ability to react, anticipate, and adapt, posing very real threats to their future viability. The commitment to the historic mission of the community clinic movement must be paired with operational strength to ensure that clinics survive and become a pivotal asset in their communities.
CCI has identified a set of characteristics and practices shared that embody operational strength. CCI's programs foster these "Elements of Strong Clinics."
- Mission
Clear mission, vision and values driven by a commitment to improved health outcomes and a contribution to a healthy community. - Strategic Plan
Active development of and action on a comprehensive strategic plan that is informed by ongoing community input to ensure relevance to current community needs. - Community Engagement and Advocacy
Mutually beneficial and long-standing relationships with the community, direct input from patients on clinics programs, and clinic advocacy on behalf of its community. - Leadership
Leadership from both the community-governed Board of Directors and an interdisciplinary management team, based on strategic thinking and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. - Financial Systems and Position
Secure financial position to weather unfavorable economic conditions, and systems that enable exemplary financial management and timely, reliable information. - Fund Development Strategy
Active development of and action on a comprehensive fund development plan encompassing a range of funding sources. - Programmatic Collaboration
Rich collaboration with other providers and community organizations to address the needs of the clinic, its patients and the community. - Data-Informed Decision Making
A decision-making process informed by reliable, widely disseminated current data and analysis. - Learning and Training
Ongoing investment in the organization's staff, management and Board through comprehensive training and development. - Adaptability and Innovation
Ability and insight to adapt and innovate in response to new community needs, external factors, and information gleaned from data, evaluation and ongoing learning and training.