WIXOM, Michigan—J&B Medical, a provider of health care services, and Strongbow Strategies, a Navajo Native American and women-owned company, announced the formation of Strongbow Health, a new partnership aimed at servicing the health care needs of more than 4 million Native Americans in the United States.
The partnership will begin with affordable durable medical equipment (DME), diabetes and pharmaceutical products and services that will be delivered to patients' homes. It will start by catering to the Medicaid marketplace in New Mexico and the Mountain West regions. The Strongbow Health partnership will also develop educational programs that will enable health care jobs to be created in rural New Mexico.
"We are creating an ecosystem of care that aligns health care delivery and social innovation. We want to ensure that care delivery is equitable and accessible to all regardless of race, social class or location," said Stephen Shaya, M.D., executive servant leader at J&B Medical. "The spirit of this unique partnership to elevate the underserved and underprivileged reminded me of a great Navajo proverb, 'Good thoughts and good deeds lift your spirit high.'"
In addition to the partnership's initial goals, Strongbow Health aims to secure a closer relationship with Optum and UHC Community and State to include their product offerings and services. This will enable Strongbow Health to provide specialized behavioral health telemedicine for specific populations in its 34 markets.
"We are delighted to partner with J&B Medical to expand our value proposition in serving rural and tribal communities," said Clara Pratte, CEO at Strongbow Strategies. "Strongbow's mission of restoring and strengthening indigenous economies while investing in innovation will be a key part of this partnership and model."
United Health Care is set to commence operations in the state of New Mexico on or about the first day of July 2024. Three other Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will be joining them in the state, bringing the total Medicaid lives in New Mexico to about 900,000. Moreover, the current Medicaid population stands at 25% of people over the age of 65, highlighting the urgent need for improved healthcare services.
This landmark collaboration between J&B Medical and Strongbow Consulting promises to provide health care solutions that are efficient, affordable and accessible to Native Americans nationwide. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the health care industry.
The two companies said Strongbow Health is expected to make a significant difference by meeting the health care needs of Native Americans through the provision of comprehensive, top-quality and innovative health care solutions.
