Community Health Workers will Advocate for You!

Written by Chelsea Hospital Staff

Have you ever needed support and didn’t know where to start or who to turn to? The Five Healthy Towns region has a new community resource to get you started.

Chelsea Hospital is pleased to have recently launched a Community Health Worker program made up of two community residents, Autumn Orta and Caitlin Byars. As Community Health Workers (CHWs), Autumn and Caitlin build a rapport with people they meet and assist with whatever is needed. They are trusted community members, know what resources exist, and know the local communities very well.

CHWs facilitate access to health care services and improve health outcomes. They do this by bridging the gap between the community and health care system, many times advocating for individuals and families who need a helping hand. 5 Healthy Towns awarded Chelsea Hospital a significant grant to support Caitlin’s position.

“We understand that concerns like rent or mortgage, the price of food, reliable transportation and other worries, along with rising prices, can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life,” Autumn said. “This program is no cost and completely confidential. We’re here to help you get the support you need.”

Autumn recently assisted a local family who had a change in their insurance coverage. She spent time reviewing various eligible plans, assisted with enrollment and screened for other social needs. Autumn also connected the family to the local food pantry, where they received additional food assistance.

“This work is extremely rewarding,” Autumn said. “We are immediately making an impact, helping to connect the dots between key community services and community members who don’t know where to turn or understand the complex paperwork often needed to apply for insurance or assistance.”

Community Health Workers wear many hats. As a health educator, CHWs provide important information about health issues and healthy behaviors. They recommend local workshops, distribute education materials, and connect you to nutrition programs, exercise classes, preventative care and more to support health goals. Autumn and Caitlin may meet with you by phone, virtually or in the community.

As your advocate in the health care system, CHWs help you navigate an often-complex system of care so you can determine your best path

to wellness. From recommendations for a primary care provider, specialists, dentists, or mental health support, to explanations on benefits or insurance options, CHWs offer a wealth of knowledge. They can also help you manage health conditions, prescriptions, insurance enrollment, appointment scheduling, arranging transportation and childcare.

As a community resource expert, CHWs can make referrals to health care practitioners, specialists, community organizations and social service agencies. Perhaps more impactful, CHWs help you access other social services beyond health care. Needed services can be housing, transportation, food, and other vital services that make a difference in everyday life. In addition, they can also help you enroll in food assistance programs, avoid eviction or utility shutoffs by making connections to housing and emergency financial assistance programs or educational and employment opportunities.

How does it work?

When you first meet a CHW, they will work with you to understand what you need and partner with you to find free or reduced-cost resources. Support from a CHW is outpatient, short-term, voluntary and offers non-emergency services.

Community Health Workers help you improve your health with:

• The right doctors

• The right services

• The right health goals

• The right low-cost health insurance

CHWs are not clinicians but are trained and certified to understand the barriers to achieving health and wellness in the community. They complement the work of clinicians by ensuring people have the basic needs for health and safety that allow them to achieve and maintain health – these include housing, food, transportation, education, employment, dependent care, among others. CHWs live in the communities they serve and apply their skills and knowledge to help people overcome barriers to health and wellness.

“We are here to meet you right where you are at and address the true needs you have,” Caitlin said. “We form a trusting relationship that helps us liaison between the community and complex health and social service agencies. We know navigating these resources isn’t easy – we’re here to make it easier.”

To connect with Autumn or Caitlin, please email chw4u@trinity-health.org or call Caitlin at 734-712-0490 or Autumn at 734-593-6269.