Community Connections celebrates National Community Health Worker Awareness Week
NVRH CHWs Crystal Bigelow, Samantha Bailey, and Erica Beer help community members connect to local services and supports.
ST. JOHNSBURY, VT (August 26, 2024) – In honor of National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, which runs from August 26 through August 30, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) Community Connections wishes to remind community members of all the ways in which Community Health Workers (CHWs) can help connect them to important resources.
According to the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW), The American Public Health Association (APHA) defines CHWs as “frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables CHWs to serve as a link between health/social services and the community they serve, facilitating access to services and improving the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.”
What does this look like in action? Community members can drop by Community Connections to talk with a CHW about which resources they may need and how to access them. For example, if one needed help finding a provider or connecting with a support group, CHWs at Community Connections can help – offering FREE assistance, support and resource coordination.
“We take the time to talk with you to determine which social and community services you need, and then help connect you to the right people at the right services,” NVRH CHW Samantha Bailey said. “We are familiar with the many agencies, organizations and individuals in the area, so we know who to call to get you an appointment, health information, legal services and transportation assistance. We also screen for health insurance eligibility.”
Community Connections is located at 55 Sherman Drive in St. Johnsbury, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with the exception of Tuesday’s hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) For more information, visit nvrh.org/community-connections or call 802-748-7526.