Welcome back to Relocalizing Health with Dave Chase. In this episode, Dave explores how communities can reclaim control over their healthcare dollars, drawing inspiration from cooperative models both in American history and abroad. Only about 15.5 cents of every healthcare dollar actually reach clinicians, with much of the money leaving local communities. He shares stories of towns and employers across the U.S. building local, community-owned health plans, without waiting for Congress or federal policy. Learn how the cooperative spirit that powered rural electrification, credit unions, and European health systems can offer a blueprint for sustainable, grassroots healthcare transformation right in your county. If you’re a civic leader, employer, medical professional, or simply a concerned neighbor, this episode will show you practical steps your community can take to build a healthier, more resilient future, starting today.

Timestamps:

00:00 Building the future of healthcare

05:34 European health system origins

09:25 Community health ownership models

11:09 Developing a Community Health Plan

16:06 Local healthcare cooperation and collaboration

17:34 Additional resources and book info

Learn More:

RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/

Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/

Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/

Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/

Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/

Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome back to Relocalizing Health. In this episode, host Dave Chase sits down with Charles Marohn, founder of Strong Towns and renowned author, to explore what it truly means for a town to be "strong." Drawing analogies from the built environment and decades of on-the-ground civic work, Chuck shares how robust communities rely not just on fiscal sustainability or infrastructure, but on engaged citizens who are empowered to solve problems collaboratively. Together, they dive into stories of transformation in places like Ashtabula County, Ohio, discuss the cultural and mindset shifts necessary for local change, and outline practical frameworks for making meaningful progress, one small step at a time. Whether you’re a civic leader, public sector employee, or just someone who cares deeply about your community's well-being, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to roll up your sleeves to co-create healthier, more resilient places.

Timestamps:

00:00 Defining sustainable city development

04:41 Struggling Ohio school district finances

08:46 Using relatable examples for change

10:33 Engaging the local community

15:21 Rethinking public investment strategies

17:29 Businesslike approach to running cities

22:48 Implementing community development projects

26:16 Southcentral Foundation's healthcare transformation

29:49 City council meeting dynamics

30:32 Creating an equal meeting environment

36:40 Importance of community dialogue

38:02 Wrapping up healthcare insights

Ashtabula story:

Short version - https://relocalizinghealth.com/episode/case-study-the-poorest-county-in-ohio-kept-450-million-home-and-changed-everything

Full Conversation with Bryce Heinbaugh - https://relocalizinghealth.com/episode/how-community-owned-health-plans-are-transforming-healthcare-and-boosting-local-economies

Full Conversation with Dr. Brad Schneider, Maria Fowler, and Casey Billington - https://relocalizinghealth.com/episode/how-ashtabula-county-reclaimed-healthcare-direct-care-and-community-plans-beat-corporate-systems

Learn More:

RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/

Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/

Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/

Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/

Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/

Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health. Today, we explore how something as simple as rethinking medical imaging can spark a transformation in employer-sponsored healthcare, creating real wins for employees, employers, and communities alike. Host Dave Chase is joined by Dr. Cristin A. Dickerson, a radiologist and founder of Green Imaging, whose innovative approach has brought bundled transparent pricing to imaging services in thousands of communities across America.

Together, they discuss why imaging is often the first and most powerful step for organizations seeking to take control of their healthcare spending, breaking down the barriers that have long frustrated patients, from lengthy authorizations to surprise bills. You’ll hear real-world stories of school districts, cities, and counties that have saved millions, improved employee access to care, and even turned health plan savings into raises for their staff.

Dr. Cristin A. Dickerson shares how building trust, local partnerships, and simple processes can empower even the most change-averse organizations to take meaningful action. If you’ve ever wondered how health plan innovation really happens or what it takes to move from frustration to affordable, accessible care, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Decision-making in public health plans

05:26 Imaging as a crucial first step

06:56 Partnering with Imaging Centers

13:11 Barriers to accessing healthcare

15:49 Getting Brevard County's Approval

17:11 Improving radiology authorization process

22:45 Changing Health Plans Off-Cycle

25:31 Targeting healthcare decision-making

29:39 Hospital billing and negotiation challenges

31:57 Credit unions and hospital practices

36:22 Discussing the Health Reset Dividend

38:47 Affordable healthcare access benefits

41:18 Closing and sign-off

Learn More:

RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/

Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/

Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/

Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/

Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/

Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/