www.jblm-growth.com

South Sound Military& Communities Partnership

The MissionFoster effective communication, understanding, and mutual support by establishing a primary point of coordination for

resolution of those issues which transcend the specific interest of the military and civilian communities of the JBLM region.

Healthcare and Social ServiceThe Joint Base Lewis-McChord Growth Coordination Plan identifies key opportunities for increased collaboration and support for our military personnel and families. Roughly 100 agency partners collaborated to produce this plan using a grant administered by the City of Lakewood and funded by the United States Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.

As the JBLM population grows, the demands for medical and social services—and their changing needs—creates a huge impact on soldiers, families, and the professional communities that serve them. Local healthcare providers cannot serve military-connected patients due to poor TRICARE reimbursement, and there is a shortage of coverage for many health services. Social services are expected to need rapid expansion due to the economy and multiple deployments as well.

Along with growing need and limited access, the JBLM population is also subject to higher rates of preventative disease (obesity, tobacco use, sexually transmitted disease) than the general population. By initiating a plan for healthy living and local, fresh food sources, the healthcare of our area is expected to show significant improvement.

From the Growth Coordination Plan, several strategies and initiative have been identified to address the growing and changing need for healthcare in our JBLM community.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Regional Coordination

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Mason County

Pierce CountyThurston County

Pierce CountyKing County

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STEILACOOM HISTORICALSCHOOL DISTRICT

UNIVERSITY PLACESCHOOL DISTRICT

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NORTH THURSTONSCHOOL DISTRICT

BETHEL SCHOOL DISTRICT

RAINIERSCHOOL DISTRICT

YELM COMMUNITYSCHOOLS

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MILITARY INSTALLATIONS

CITIES

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STUDY AREA

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

MAJOR ROADS

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Regional coordination includes over 100 stakeholders from the South Puget Sound area.Madigan is one of only three designated Level 2

trauma centers in the entire U.S. Medical Command.

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Enhance Basic Needs Services in the JBLM region

Affordable housing, clothing, and food are significant issues in the JBLM region. Through the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership, a push for increased funding—as well as increased visibility and expanded financial counseling services (leveraging the power of the new Regional Social Services Coordination, Collaboration, and Outreach Office) will address the additional support the region needs.

Enhance Domestic Violence Support in the Region

High rates of domestic violence in the JBLM region are expected to increase even higher in the future, as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder increases on- and off-base. A domestic violence legal services program has been shown to prevent further violence. A formal partnership between Pierce and Thurston County, and the Family Advocacy program at JBLM will further strengthen a domestic violence network in the region.

Identify Improvements for On-Base Behavioral Health and Social Services Facilities

A lack of appropriate facilities and space on-base for proper behavioral health treatment limits the beneficiaries of treatment, and the safety of providers and clients. The South Sound Military & Communities Partnership will work to identify areas of needed expansion, and develop cost estimates and short term improvements to upgrade facilities.

Healthcare & Social Services Strategies

The Growth Coordination Plan identifies nine strategies for maximizing value from military growth in the region and increasing collaboration to overcome challenges that it creates. For more information on these strategies, visit www.jblm-growth.com.

Enhance Collaboration Among JBLM Regional Health Providers

A regular, sustainable communication will be established through a coalition of on-base and community advisors, while implementing a strategy for leadership changes—both in the military and in the hierarchy of health provider—to ensure smooth transitions and no service gaps.

Complete a Comprehensive Behavioral Health Study

The regional mental health system is not meeting demand for the increasingly growing need for behavioral health care, and not accounting for expected growth. Projecting use rates and need for service, a study will be used to increase collaborative efforts between the military, community, and VA providers.

Conduct a Study of Dental/Oral Health Service Gaps

Payment for oral health is a major concern among military families, and a detailed study will be conducted to address the need for dentists by location. Marketing on JBLM, and with Clover Park School District, will advertise the availability of services, and increase the number of providers who will provide access to TRICARE patients.

Expand Access to TRICARE Providers

As military families move to off-base communities, a need for TRICARE providers will increase. The South Sound Military & Communities Partnership will be leveraged to lobby legislators for improved TRICARE coverage, and a comprehensive plan will be established to compel TRICARE beneficiaries to higher densities of TRICARE service.

Establish a Live-Well Health Initiative

By working with JBLM MWR, Madigan Army Medical Center, and health departments to apply funding to health prevention programs, health risks that pose a greater risk to JBLM and surrounding areas (tobacco use, obesity, sexually transmitted diseases) can be prevented. Increased attention to active open spaces and walkability, as well healthy and local food sources, will combine with a review of Live Well model programs to provide a comprehensive plan for JBLM’s initiatives.

Establish a Regional Social Services Coordination, Collaboration, and Outreach Office

Multiple deployments and financial insecurity has added increased need for social services for military families, as well as the stress of the general economic climate. By hiring social services providers as well as an outreach coordinator to work between JBLM and providers—as well as connecting people with the services they need—a central office can pinpoint care.

Several key military growth-related healthcare and social services impacts in the South Puget Sound have created a series of needs in the region:

Approximately 14% of the Pierce and Thurston County populations are TRICARE beneficiaries (148,851 total).

Beneficiaries have difficulty accessing the TRICARE network in Olympia and the high growth areas of Yelm and Puyallup.

Family members of deployed service members are at a higher risk to experience significant stress which may lead to mental health and substance abuse problems.

With over 70% of the JBLM population living in the surrounding communities, community-based clinics play a critical role in meeting behavioral health needs of service members and their families.

Madigan Army Medical Center receives over 950,000 out patient visits annually.

There are no beds available for behavioral health within a five county radius for children and adolescents requiring inpatient care.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Growth Coordination Plan

www.jblm-growth.com

Prepared under a grant from the Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment, administered by the City of Lakewood, WA.

Prepared by:

In association with: