Improving health through social supports
February 3, 2022Originally published Mid-Iowa Health Foundation by Sarah Welch. Republished with permission
Prior to her child’s visit to the doctor, a mother noted on the clinic’s survey she was having trouble paying for utilities. During the doctor’s visit, she shared with a community health worker that her water bill was nearly a thousand dollars. The community health worker helped the mom set up a payment plan with the water utility company. She then connected her with a nonprofit organization who covered the utility bill, as well as three months’ rent, allowing the family to catch up on bills.
Having water, electricity, and a place to live ensured the family could maintain a stable home. A sense of security can also help reduce stress, enabling the mother to focus on family interactions that support her child’s healthy development.
This is just one example of how MercyOne’s focus on addressing the social determinants of health is improving the overall health of patients. A Mid-Iowa Health Foundation grant expanded the health care system’s community health worker model beyond primary care clinics into the pediatric setting, demonstrating success in connecting families with resources that support a safe and nurturing environment children need for well-being.
“You can do everything correctly and have really good health behaviors, and still have negative health outcomes because of the environment where you live,” said Emily Fletcher, Division Director of Social and Clinical Care Integration within MercyOne.
"The community health worker model is a proven solution to increasing access to resources for community members often underserved by our traditional health and social service systems,” said Dr. Nalo Johnson, President of Mid-Iowa Health Foundation. “We are grateful to see MercyOne embrace the community health worker model within its pediatric clinics to increase access to resources for children and families in our community."
