Health department adds Community Health Workers

The Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency has announced the addition of Community Health Workers to enhance services offered to residents of the tri-county service area.

Community Health Workers help connect the public to available services and resources. As residents of the community, CHWs have strong community connections, which allow them to develop trusting, one-on-one relationships with clients; act as a liaison between healthcare providers, patients, and families/caregivers; gain support from other organizations and agencies serving the community; strengthen care coordination by connecting patients with available healthcare and social support services; extend the reach of healthcare providers and services, which is particularly helpful in our area; and deliver services that are appropriate based on the patient’s language and culture.

Community Health Worker program is funded by a grant the agency received from Michigan Center for Rural Health.