Navigating Health and Social Services through a Community Health Worker

Overview

Through collaboration with community partner Care Ring and Mecklenburg County Public Health, A Guided Journey (AGJ) has worked to improve the health and quality of life for pregnant women and their children, particularly those who are facing the challenges of poverty and racial inequality.
 

Community Health Workers (CHWs) live and work in the areas of greatest need in the County, providing valuable information and connections to resources to help mothers have good health during and after their pregnancy to overcome barriers that may hinder their ability to be a successful parent for their baby.

Challenge

AGJ client Maria*, a recent immigrant who is not yet fluent in English, gave birth in the United States for the first time and did not know how to navigate the American health care system or what benefits might be available to her and her baby. Economic stability was also a concern due to unstable employment, which resulted in her family being two months behind on on rent and electricity bills, and having insufficient groceries to feed a household of four.
 

They also had an 11-year-old daughter who struggled to adjust to their growing family. Lastly, after the baby was born, Maria was concerned that her baby may have sustained an injury during delivery that had not been detected initially. These challenges were overwhelming and stressful for Maria and her family. Her CHW assured her they would work together to get her some relief and improve the situation.
 

*Actual name redacted and changed to protect client privacy.

Solution

Maria's Community Health Worker jumped in to support her when learning about her family's concerns and needs. She first encouraged Maria to make a follow-up appointment for the baby to check out the suspected injury, which she did. Then, Maria was informed of the various programs available to her and her family, such as:

• Medicaid for Pregnant Women for healthcare related services

• Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance

• Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) for paying her family's utility bill

• And a rental assistance program

Maria and her CHW worked together to initiate applications for the various programs, and awaited the status of applications while receiving an immediate referral for an emergency food supply. The CHW also got Maria a calendar for keeping track of appointments, a bag of baby essentials from community partner Baby Bundles, and some special coloring books for her 11-year-old daughter to feel more included.

Overview

Maria took her baby to the doctor for his appointment, where her susp1c1ons were confirmed and her newborn was treated for his injury. Further, Maria's applications for Medicaid, SNAP, LIEAP, and rental assistance were approved, resulting in more money for groceries to feed her family, outstanding medical and utility bills being paid in full, and secure housing for her and her family.

The positive relationship, support, and education about resources available to the family that Maria's Community Health Worker provided through AGJ increased her family's stability and helped them avoid potentially disastrous situations. Maria now knows that if future challenges arise, she has the knowledge and confidence to overcome them.