Local Leadership and Commitment

Community buy-in is essential for successful services integration programs. Local decision makers and community leaders set priorities, provide overarching direction, and help unite stakeholders. They also have the capacity to reach a wide range of constituents and partners. Therefore, services integration program leaders require commitment from local leadership to accomplish their goals. Working with local leadership and community representatives to implement a services integration program can also ensure that the program meets the needs of community members.

In developing their services integration program, Butte Community Diabetes Network first conducted a needs assessment among local healthcare leaders and stakeholders. This assessment allowed them to identify needs of the local medical community in Butte, MT, which informed the development of their program. By targeting the program to fit these needs, the network gained trust and buy-in from key stakeholders which has led to their commitment and participation in the network.