Springfield-Greene County Health is announcing the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Community Health Worker Initiative grant, initially rewarded in 2022, has been extended through Jan/ 31, 2024.
The initial funding allowed the Health Department to build a team of community health advocates to assess the health needs of the community. With the extension, the CHWi team will continue to address the many health disparities that were highlighted by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for another year.
In addition to strengthening the continued response to COVID-19, the CHWi team works with individuals and families who need additional support to improve their overall health. One of the first clients to take full advantage of the Community Health Initiative was a young pregnant woman who was new to Springfield and knew she needed additional support so she could build a good life for her newborn son.
“Working with one of our community health advocates, this soon-to-be mother got connected to our NEST program for prenatal support and got signed up to receive WIC benefits so she would have access to nutritious food through her pregnancy,” Katie Towns, Springfield-Greene County Health director said, adding that the program also helped the woman find a part-time job, child care, transportation assistance and even a winter jacket. “Stories like this are why we are excited to announce the extension of this grant.”
The work that has been done by CHWi team is significant. In 2022, the team achieved the following regarding COVID-19 vaccination and outreach, as well as individualized support for overall health:
- Provided COVID-19 information to more than 8,600 people to help prevent the spread of the virus.
- Administered over 8,200 vaccines, with 50% of those vaccinations administered at outreach clinics serving underserved populations.
- Distributed more than 9,000 at-home COVID-19 tests to families through working with community partners like the Springfield-Greene County Library.
- Since October 2022, assessed 27 individuals for underlying health conditions and COVID-19 related needs and made 80 referrals to food, transportation, housing, and mental health services.
If you or someone you know is interested in receiving help from one of our community health advocates, send an email to Healthoutreach@springfieldmo.gov for assistance.