Breaking the cycle of addiction in rural Idaho
A person’s overall health is about more than what shows up on a lab report. Things like stress, unstable housing, food insecurity and access to mental health support shape how healthy you are—and how healthy you stay. We’re proud that our corporate foundation, Cambia Health Foundation, has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to strengthen integrated primary care teams across our region, including Idaho.
What does “integrated primary care” actually mean?
Think of it as care that goes beyond the exam room. Instead of only addressing physical symptoms, integrated care teams also tackle the behavioral health challenges and social factors—like housing instability or food insecurity—that have a huge impact on how people feel and function day to day. In some cases, these factors could actually be the root cause of physical health issues. That kind of comprehensive support helps people from falling through the cracks and gets ahead of challenges before they escalate.
The evidence backs it up: when care teams can address the full picture of a person’s health, outcomes improve and costs go down—for individuals and entire communities alike.
Celebrating our community partner in Idaho
Cambia Health Foundation has selected Bingham Healthcare as its latest grantee in Idaho supporting integrated primary care. The organization operates a primary care clinic inside the rural Bingham County Jail in southeast Idaho where grant funding will embed a part-time social worker in their Pathways to Recovery program, serving individuals with opioid or substance use disorder. With up to 60% of jail residents estimated to struggle with addiction—most nonviolent, low-income and from rural areas—the need is acute. The program integrates addiction treatment and social services into the existing clinic, creating a continuum of care that begins before release and extends afterward, helping clients navigate healthcare, housing and other social needs.
Why it matters
As Allison Gruber, vice president and leader of Cambia Health Foundation put it: “Everyone deserves to be seen not just as a patient, but as a whole person with unique needs and circumstances.” That’s a value we share at Regence. When teams delivering care have the support they need, our communities are stronger and healthier. Learn more about our corporate foundation and read the press release here.
