Episode 154: Dan Brillman on Unite Us’ Impressive Mission to Bridge the Gap Between Americans and Access to Social and Health Services
May 17, 2022
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Dan Brillman, CEO of Unite Us and former US Air Force pilot, shares his journey in bridging the gap between Americans and essential social and health services. He discusses the fragmented nature of support systems faced by veterans and the need for a unified approach to care. The conversation highlights how digital health innovations are connecting communities and improving access to services, while also addressing regional disparities. Brillman underlines the importance of collaboration among organizations to achieve better health outcomes and equity across diverse populations.
Dan Brillman’s military experiences highlighted the fragmented nature of health and social services, prompting him to co-found Unite Us for better access.
Unite Us aims to integrate and streamline service delivery across healthcare and community resources, enhancing support for all population groups in need.
Deep dives
Motivation Behind Starting Unite Us
The founder of Unite Us was inspired to address the fragmented nature of health and social services after witnessing frustrations faced by veterans seeking help. With a background in finance and military service, he recognized the lack of organization within existing services, which forced individuals to work through convoluted directories to find assistance. His experiences highlighted the pressing need for a coordinated approach, prompting him to start a technology-focused company in 2013 aimed at creating a seamless connection between service providers. This initial focus on veterans led to broader applications as the need for cohesive community support became evident across various population groups.
Fragmentation of Service Delivery
The podcast discusses the pervasive issue of fragmentation in service delivery systems, which affects not just veterans but all populations in need of assistance. Services are often split across different government levels, funding sources, and types of care, resulting in an inefficient and disconnected experience for those seeking help. The speaker emphasizes that the healthcare system, social services, and community resources exist in silos, complicating access to the necessary support. By addressing these fractures, Unite Us seeks to create an integrated infrastructure that enhances service delivery at community and state levels.
Business Model and Customer Base
Unite Us operates as a technology company that serves various customer segments, including insurance companies, healthcare providers, and government agencies. The company's value proposition revolves around connecting service providers to their communities while improving care management and outcomes for individuals in need. Their model allows for the collection of insights and analytics regarding service utilization, enhancing understanding of community needs and resource allocation. Ultimately, by providing these tools and connections, Unite Us aims to create a more efficient service delivery ecosystem while ensuring that beneficiaries do not incur costs.
After several deployments in the Middle East as a US Air Force Pilot, Unite Us CEO Dan Brillman served as a trusted confidant and aid to fellow veterans looking to secure housing, employment, sustenance, and healthcare. However, he became increasingly frustrated with the fragmented and ineffective system most veterans navigate to secure social services and health resources. As a result, Brillman co-founded Unite Us, a leading innovator among digital health companies designed to build a bridge between healthcare, food, housing, and various other non-profit services. With over 7,000 organizations across 44 states, Unite Us aims to serve every American in need. With Breaking Health host Steve Krupa, Brillman talks about the ecosystem used to supply coordinated care and hold service payers and providers accountable.