The name ‘NinePatch’ is derived from quilting, and we feel it embodies our platform’s mission on multiple levels:

Most directly, NinePatch is a type of quilting pattern, which conveys the concept of many different elements coming together to form a greater whole. We feel this is a good description of our ‘Care Team’ model, as well as the coming together of the healthcare, behavioral, and social service organizations in the community.

On a more tactile level, we feel NinePatch also evokes warmth, comfort, and home, reflecting the importance of family and household in feelings of security and safety. That said, the piecemeal quality of quilts also reflects the truth of life being ‘messy’ – an ongoing work in progress.

Lastly, from a historical point of view, quilting has a long tradition in many North American and World cultures of being used as a means of familial and communal storytelling, creating bonds across generations. To us, this aspect of the craft is a constant reminder to be more active in improving health equity across all communities.

NinePatch is certainly more than just a name to us. It’s a reflection of our mission around Social Determinants and improving whole-person health and well-being across all communities and populations.