The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is now an official Community Care Agency (CCA)
- Dr. Natashia L. Conner, PhD, MPhil, MS, IBCLC
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Access to care means more than just visiting a doctor. It means building trust, connecting families to the right resources, and breaking down barriers that keep people from thriving. The BLACK Collaborative Inc. has taken a big step forward by becoming an official Community Care Agency (CCA) partner within the Healthcare Access Now (HCAN) HUB. This change will reshape how families in Cincinnati receive support and care.
What It Means to Be a HUB Partner
The HCAN HUB is a network that brings together community resources to improve health outcomes and remove obstacles to care. It focuses on coordinated support that is community-based and outcome-driven. As a HUB partner, The BLACK Collaborative Inc. joins a system designed to connect families with:
Medical care
Behavioral health services
Social supports such as housing, food, and transportation
Other community-based resources
Families no longer have to navigate these complex systems alone. Instead, they are paired with a Community Health Worker (CHW). These workers are trusted members of the community who share similar experiences. They provide education, advocacy, and support, acting as a bridge between families and the care systems they need.
How This Partnership Benefits Families
Each year, The BLACK Collaborative Inc. serves over 350 families across Cincinnati. This new partnership means these families will experience:
More Coordinated Care, Not Fragmented Services
Families will receive clear, pathway-based support that identifies their needs and works actively to meet them. This support covers the entire journey from pregnancy through postpartum and beyond. The HUB model follows a straightforward process:
Identify family needs
Assign support pathways tailored to those needs
Track progress regularly
Measure outcomes to ensure goals are met
Report on the impact of improving services
This process helps prevent families from falling through the cracks and ensures they get the help they need when they need it.
Stronger Support for Social Determinants of Health
Health starts outside the doctor’s office. It begins with having stable housing, access to nutritious food, reliable transportation, and other basic needs. The HUB partnership strengthens support for these social factors that deeply affect health and well-being.
For example, a mother facing housing instability can be connected quickly to local housing programs through the HUB network. A family struggling with food insecurity can receive assistance from food banks or nutrition programs. This holistic approach helps families build a foundation for better health.
The Role of Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers are the heart of this partnership. They understand the community’s challenges because they have lived experience. Their role includes:
Educating families about available resources and health information
Advocating for families within healthcare and social service systems
Providing emotional support and guidance
Helping families navigate complex systems to get timely care
This personal connection builds trust and improves the chances that families will follow through with care plans and support services.
What Families Can Expect Moving Forward
Families working with The BLACK Collaborative Inc. can expect:
A clear plan tailored to their unique needs
Regular check-ins to track progress and adjust support
Access to a wide range of services beyond medical care
A trusted partner who understands their community and challenges
This partnership creates a safety net that catches families early and supports them through critical times.
Why This Matters
Access to care is a community effort. By joining the HCAN HUB, The BLACK Collaborative Inc. strengthens its ability to serve families in a way that is connected, clear, and caring. This partnership is a step toward a healthier, more supported Cincinnati where families have the resources they need to thrive.
Families no longer face the overwhelming task of finding help on their own. Instead, they have a team working alongside them, making sure no need goes unmet.
This new chapter for The BLACK Collaborative Inc. means better care coordination, stronger support for social needs, and a trusted community partner for families. If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, reach out to learn more about how the HUB partnership can help.
To Our Community
We want our families to know:
You are not alone in this.
You will not be passed around.
You will be supported, seen, and connected.
This is what equity in action looks like.
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