The Future of Community Healthcare in Kootenai County

Описание: What happens when healthcare is designed around people—not systems?
In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, Mike Baker sits down with David Atkins and Kimberly Johnson to reflect on the first year of the Center of Healthy Living and explore what the future of community-based healthcare looks like in Kootenai County.

This conversation takes listeners inside how Heritage Health has transformed care by bringing medical, behavioral health, wellness, and crisis services together under one roof—removing barriers that often cause people to fall through the cracks. David and Kimberly share real stories of patients seeking help for substance use, mental health challenges, and life disruptions, and how same-day access, integrated teams, and a welcoming environment make it easier for people to say “yes” to care when they’re ready.

You’ll hear how the Center of Healthy Living has changed provider collaboration, reduced wait times, preserved patient dignity, and created space for privacy, safety, and momentum. The episode also looks ahead—discussing group-based care, ACT teams, community connection, and why health centers like Heritage Health are uniquely positioned to lead the future of whole-person care in North Idaho.

This episode is for:

● Individuals navigating mental health or substance-use challenges
● Families seeking accessible community healthcare
● Healthcare providers and practice owners
● Anyone curious about the future of healthcare in Kootenai County
Watch the full episode to understand why access, timing, and human connection matter more than ever—and how community health centers are reshaping care.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introducing the Center of Healthy Living & Today’s Focus

02:40 – Same-Day Access for Substance Use & Crisis Support

04:20 – More Providers, Stronger Programs, Better Outcomes

04:50 – The Center as the “Why” Behind Heritage Health’s Mission

05:25 – Walking Patients Directly to the Help They Need

06:05 – Why Traditional Healthcare Systems Lose People

06:30 – Creating a Comfortable, Non-Judgmental Care Environment

07:10 – Designing a Welcoming, Personalized Space for Everyone

08:50 – Behavioral Health Finally Given the Space It Deserves

10:15 – How Same-Day Services Change Lives

12:00 – Preserving Momentum When People Are Ready for Help

13:15 – Crisis Care With Privacy, Dignity, and Safety

14:20 – Biggest Surprises From the First Year

14:45 – Seeing Integrated Care Work Every Day

15:00 – Being a Step Forward—Not the Entire Answer

15:50 – Combining Six Locations Into One Integrated Center

17:20 – Heritage Health’s Message to the Community

17:45 – Why Whole-Person Wellness Requires Shared Space

20:50 – Group Care, Shared Experience, and Community Healing

22:30 – Addressing Isolation Through Community & Groups

24:45 – ACT Teams & Strengthening the Healthcare System

26:00 – What Happens When Resources Are Removed

31:00 – Community Health Centers & the Cost of Cutting Care

32:00 – Why David and Kimberly Keep Showing Up

33:15 – Providers Are Human Too

36:30 – Honoring Gina’s Legacy at Heritage Health

39:00 – When Independent Providers Consider Community Care



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