Kings & Tulare Smart Referral Network Alliance Meeting | April 16, 2026
Community partners from across Kings and Tulare Counties gathered on April 16, 2026, for the latest Smart Referral Network (SRN) Alliance Meeting. The virtual convening provided space for system updates, a featured agency spotlight, and a peer-led discussion on how organizations are integrating the SRN into daily workflows. Together, partners explored real-world challenges, shared solutions, and identified opportunities to strengthen coordinated care across the region.
SRN Updates from Kings and Tulare Counties
The meeting opened with updates from both counties, highlighting ongoing progress and growth within the network.
Tulare County Update
Fedieson Landicho, Director of Data and Digital Strategy for United Way of Tulare County, shared that while no new agencies have been onboarded yet, outreach and onboarding efforts remain underway. Organizations serving Tulare County residents—or those with Tulare County counterparts—were encouraged to connect for demonstrations and conversations about how the SRN can support closed-loop referrals and care coordination.
Kings County Update
Maria Valdez, SRN Coordinator for Kings United Way, reported continued momentum in Kings County. The SRN currently includes 16 active agencies with 59 users regularly logging in and responding to referrals. Agencies interested in joining the Kings County SRN were invited to reach out for onboarding support and access to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Agency Spotlight: Kings County Community Wellness Program
The featured agency spotlight highlighted the Community Wellness Program within the Kings County Department of Public Health, presented by Leslie Corchado, Program Specialist.
Launched through a County Medical Services Program (CMSP) implementation grant, the Community Wellness Program focuses on improving access to care for adults in Avenal and Corcoran—two communities that face persistent barriers to healthcare access. Since piloting services in October 2025, the program has emphasized hands-on outreach, care coordination, and long-term relationship building with residents.
The program supports adults experiencing challenges such as limited transportation, difficulty navigating the healthcare system, and unmanaged chronic conditions, particularly diabetes and hypertension. Rather than offering referrals alone, the team actively supports residents through follow-up, appointment coordination, and systems navigation.
A key component of the program is its telehealth access model. Dedicated rooms at public health clinics in Avenal—and soon Corcoran—provide residents with private, fully equipped spaces for virtual appointments, supported by on-site community health assistants. This approach helps reduce technology and transportation barriers while expanding access to specialty and primary care services.
Since launch, the program has also hosted community outreach events, including a multi-agency health resource fair in Corcoran that brought together 13 partner organizations. These events serve as entry points for continued engagement, needs assessments, and SRN-based referrals that allow staff to track outcomes and coordinate care more effectively.
Leslie emphasized that partnerships are central to the program’s success. Local organizations are invited to collaborate by participating in outreach events, responding to SRN referrals, or utilizing telehealth spaces to deliver services virtually.
Community Partner Panel: Using SRN in Real-World Workflows
The second half of the meeting featured a community partner panel focused on how agencies are using the SRN in practice. Panelists included representatives from the Community Wellness Program, Project Food Box, and UCP, each offering candid insights into their workflows.
Panelists shared that SRN engagement often requires minimal time—typically five to ten minutes per day to check referrals—yet can significantly improve follow-up and accountability. Many agencies integrate SRN checks into daily or intake routines, ensuring referrals are not missed and clients receive timely responses.
Several themes emerged during the discussion:
Establishing internal workflows is critical. Agencies that identified clear roles and backup staff were better positioned to respond consistently to referrals.
Trial and error is part of adoption. Panelists noted that early challenges—including slow response times or unclear responsibilities—led to workflow adjustments that ultimately strengthened operations.
Understanding referrals vs. resources matters. Partners discussed the importance of distinguishing between closed-loop referrals (where services are confirmed) and general resources, which may not require tracking or follow-up.
Data and reporting can support case management. SRN reporting features, including social determinants of health reports, were highlighted as tools to help agencies track client progress over time.
The panel also reinforced that the effectiveness of the SRN grows as participation increases. Strong engagement from sending and receiving agencies ensures referrals move quickly and clients do not fall through gaps.
Looking Ahead
The April SRN Alliance Meeting reinforced a shared commitment to improving care coordination through collaboration, transparency, and practical learning. From expanding telehealth access in rural communities to refining referral workflows, partners continue to shape the SRN into a tool that reflects real community needs.
Agencies interested in joining the Smart Referral Network are encouraged to review the Kings or Tulare County MOUs and connect with SRN coordinators for next steps. As participation grows, so does the network’s ability to deliver timely, connected, and person-centered support across the region.
