For this electronic interview, we caught up with Jayne Berube, who recently began her work as Program Coordinator with ORHP. Given ORHP's strong support of health networks, we were excited to find out more about Jayne and about her thoughts on the role of networks, the direction of health care, and future opportunities for networks.

Q: You recently joined ORHP as Program Coordinator/Project Officer. Can you tell us a little about your background and the experiences that led to your current role?

A: Most of the work I have been doing over past several years has been around nutrition and public health. I worked for three years as a Registered Dietitian in a clinical setting, where I learned the systems of care within inpatient and outpatient settings. Prior to moving to the Office of Rural Health Policy at HRSA, I worked as a Public Health Nutritionist for the Indian Health Service in Chinle, AZ. In this role, I worked on diabetes prevention programs that included promoting breastfeeding, school wellness policies, and taxation of sugar sweetened beverages. As with any position in a rural setting, much of the success of these programs was dependent upon creating partnerships with community members and other important stakeholders.

Q: What are your plans for working with the new Network Development grantees?

A: Our focus with this new cohort of grantees will be to demonstrate outcomes, and position networks to be successful and sustainable in the current healthcare landscape. 

Q: What role do you believe experienced network leaders will have in assisting with the continuing implementation of the ACA?

A: Network members and leaders play a key role in getting the word out about the Affordable Care Act and the benefits of enrollment. They also play an important role in encouraging staff to become a Certified Application Counselor  (CAC) as a means of helping qualified members of the community obtain health insurance through the exchange.

Q: In light of the unique structure and diverse function of networks, do you foresee expanded opportunities for networks?

A: Yes, I think the changing healthcare landscape has made it imperative to create networks that not only collaborate to achieve efficiencies for the administration and financing of care, but can also be innovators of solutions that meet the unique health care needs of their communities despite limited financial and staffing resources. 

Q: What areas of focus do you believe are most ripe for health networks currently?

A: There are many areas of focus that are relevant to networks today, particularly within the delivery of healthcare. The goal of the Network Development program is to increase access and quality of health care within rural areas through network collaboration. To achieve this, the areas of network focus that we have identified as being the most important are the integration of health care services and delivery, expansion of access and quality of healthcare services, and utilizing networks to implement evidence based approaches to address and strengthen the health care system

Q: And, finally, we can’t miss the opportunity to ask you a few personal questions! Where are you from and what are your special interests and hobbies?

A: Of course! I grew up in Kennebunkport, Maine and went to school in Washington, DC and New York for my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I currently live in Washington, DC and enjoy many of the great cultural and outdoor events and opportunities that the city offers. I enjoy traveling when I can and often spend my weekends with family and friends.

Q: What is the best way to contact you?

A: I can best be reached by phone: 301-443-4281 or email JBerube@HRSA.gov