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SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON
ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH
509-596-1126
FIND LOCAL RESOURCES
There are many different ways to find local resources depending on the type of resources you are looking for. You can search online for local organizations, check with your local government for services and programs, or speak to friends and family for recommendations. You can also check out local newspapers or newsletters for information about resources in your county. Additionally, many libraries offer free access to databases that can help you search for resources in your county. To save you time, we have wonderful resource lists for each county and knowledgeable Community Health Workers (CHW) who would love to assist you!
Our Community Health Workers play a vital role in keeping communities safe and healthy. They work to identify and address health risks and disparities in communities, provide education and resources to help people practice healthy behaviors, and develop and implement evidence-based public health policies and programs. They may work in a variety of settings, including health departments, hospitals, clinics, community organizations, and educational institutions. The roles they may play include conducting research, developing health programs, providing health education and counseling, and monitoring health trends. Ultimately, CHW's strive to help communities achieve better health outcomes.
Feel free to reach out to the CHW in your county to learn more information.
EXAMPLE OF OUR SERVICES
Two grants sponsor our program. Care Connect is a program that provides COVID tests, food, and other necessities to people who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been exposed and need support to isolate or quarantine in their homes. We also connect people who are isolated due to covid19 to resources they are eligible for and provide personal care kits, non-perishable food kits, and fresh food orders delivered to their homes. If we identify other essential needs, such as financial assistance, we will connect them to or provide them with direct assistance in paying bills such as rent, mortgage, and utilities. The other grant we are working under is the (REAT) Rural Equity Advisory Team, where we offer assistance to the community (eligible for all ages and not income based) by connecting them with resources for their basic health and well-being. We are here not only to serve the community members but also to help lighten the load of the workers who serve them. We can do this by following up with clients after a stay in the hospital to make sure they are eating and following care orders, by checking in on older adults and/or young families who are facing hard times but do not know where to look for help, or by visiting clients who are shut in and need their spirits lifted. Here are a few examples of other resources that we help with but are not limited to:
Assistance for mobile chair needs.
Assistance with pest control needs.
Assistance with medical insurance referral.
Assistance with referrals to cleaning and home maintenance.
Assistance with check-ins after a hospital visit to ensure a proper eating schedule.
Reviewing home safety plans for clients, including helping with rug removal and bathroom safety.
Assistance with food boxes, blankets, and heaters.
Assistance with gas vouchers for medical appointments.
Assistance with acquiring at-home Covid-19 testing kits.
During the winter months, we offer assistance with the winterization of homes and RVs.
So many needs can be met through resourcing, but people often do not know where to look or what to ask for. We are here to connect them with others in the community who can provide them with the best care for their needs.
MEET OUR COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS
Community health workers (CWH) are public health workers. Their goal is to connect communities with their health care systems and state health departments. Community health worker is an umbrella term that includes a range of community health aides.
Our CHW's are here to
Develop trusting, one-on-one relationships with patients
Act as a liaison between the healthcare system, patients, and families/caregivers
Gain support from other organizations serving the community
Strengthen care coordination by connecting patients with available healthcare and social support services
Extend the reach of healthcare providers and services, which is particularly helpful in areas with shortages of providers
Deliver services that are appropriate based on the patient's language and culture
Give back to their communities
