The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced a pilot program yesterday for community health worker (CHW) services at select COVID-19 neighborhood testing sites to address community health needs. CHWs will offer on-demand referral services to essential health and well-being resources including behavioral health and social services. Visitors to participating sites can meet with an on-site CHW to connect with community resources that include food access, housing supports, utilities assistance and health care enrollment.
“We must take every opportunity we have to bring access to health care to residents where and when they need it,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Increasing entry points to care leads to improving social determinants of health and the overall well-being of our communities. We continue to look for innovative ways to keep Michigan residents healthy.”
CHWs are trained public health professionals and trusted members of the community whose goal is to address social determinants of health and serve as links between residents and the health and social resources needed to improve well-being. At the testing sites, CHWs refer visitors to behavioral and health care providers, assist with health insurance coverage, point to Michigan’s 211 program referral helpline and more. CHWs also offer education on healthy lifestyles and habits, and provide education on managing medications or chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
The CHW services are currently funded through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant focused on addressing health disparities among high-risk and underserved populations.
The selected sites are: Wayne County Community College District, Northwest Campus, Bethel Baptist Church and Hartford Memorial Baptist Church.
Free consultation services up to 45 minutes are available. Walk-ins are taken as space and time allows, and no ID or insurance is required.
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