A Theory of Change for Aligning Health Care, Public Health, and Social Services in the Time of COVID-19

This article presents a cross-sector alignment theory of change that aligns with the foundation’s vision of a culture of health that provides everyone in the United States a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being.

The Georgia Health Policy Center coordinates the national initiative Aligning Systems for Health: Health Care + Public Health + Social Services in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It focuses on learning about effective ways to align health care, public health, and social services to better address the goals and needs of the people and communities

To sustain impact, cross-sector collaboratives should consider activating four core components of cross-sector alignment:

• Purpose: The focus of the cross-sector effort, informed by and supportive of community voice
• Data: Shared data that is meaningful to all partners and that enables sectors to effectively coordinate activities and measure shared progress
• Financing: Long-term financing that supports partnerships with incentives and accountability
• Governance: Robust governance structures that include local representation and voice