A Western Colorado organization that supports the exchange of information to improve health care is exploring integration with another organization.

The boards of Quality Health Network based in Grand Junction and the Colorado Community Managed Care Network executed a letter of intent to enter into a formal due diligence process to determine if the two organizations should integrate operations.

“The pandemic shows the critical need to make health data meaningful at the local, regional, state and national level,” said Dick Thompson, executive director and chief executive officer of QHN. “We are providing needed and essential products and services especially targeted to those organizations, typically smaller, that don’t have access to the resources or abilities to create the infrastructures that larger organizations can.”

Jason Greer, chief executive officer of CCMCN based in Denver, said the two organizations offer complimentary services. “Our joint efforts will allow us to do more for existing customers while opening new opportunities to strengthen our support for communities and state agencies.”

QHN helps medical, behavioral and human services providers in Western Colorado securely share health information to coordinate care, reduce duplication of services and identify individuals at risk. All of the hospitals and more than 90 percent of health care providers in its service area participate in the network. QHN also operates the Community Resource Network, which provides on a secure exchange information about clients, including family and housing, resources sought in the past and who’s been contacted to request services. The CRN offers information about available resources and appropriate organizations to contact for assistance.

CCMCN supports federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals, regional accountable entities and health alliances across Colorado with information, care coordination and analytic solutions.

As part of the integration exploration, Marc Lassaux will serve as interim CEO of QHN following Thompson’s retirement April 2. Lassaux is chief technology officer of QHN. 

“QHN is successful because we have focused on our mission and our values, and this will continue to drive us during this exciting process,” Lassaux said.