Community Health Worker
The Issue
Many people caring for older relatives or close friends feel alone and overwhelmed in their caregiving journey, which can lead to their own emotional, physical health and financial concerns. And research shows that 1 in 4 (25%) family caregivers say it is very difficult to get affordable services in their loved ones' community to help with their care.
Our Impact
Patients who received support from community health workers (CHWs) – trained local residents who provide tailored support to high-risk patients– had 30 percent fewer hospital admissions in one year compared to those who did not receive CHW support.
Overview
A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a public health worker who is a trusted member of the community. This trusting relationship allows us to serve as a link between healthcare, social services, and community members to increase access to services and improve health management.
In our role as CHWs we improve clients' ability to manage their health through a series of activities including outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy.
What We Do
- Provide personalized assistance to develop a health management plan
- Make sure that getting treatment goes smoothly
- Help you better understand your health
- Educate providers about your health needs
- Provide health education and information in a way that is easily understood
- Find the answers to your questions to help you make decisions which impact your health
- Provide informal counseling and social support
- Help you build your skills to better manage your health
How it Works
CHW will visit you at your home to provide extra support. The CHW will bring various resources to help ensure you receive the services and support needed to improve your well-being.
Your CHW will help you:
- Connect to a primary care provider
- Communicate with doctors
- Learn about and engage with resources in the community
- Better manage your medical condition
- CHWs do not provide medical coverage, clinical advice, or replace the need to follow up with your doctor.
Enrollment
- This service is for Gateway Health Plan members
- No age restriction
- If you are a current Gateway Health Plan member, call the member services phone number printed on the back of your insurance card and ask for a referral to Gateway Case Management
