Community Care Team
The Newman Regional Health Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in bridging the gap between healthcare services and the community.
Empowering Health in Emporia and Beyond
As trusted frontline public health workers, CHWs serve as liaisons between residents and essential resources, fostering health equity and improving outcomes for underserved populations. Drawing from state initiatives supported by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition, our CHWs are committed to education, empowerment, and advocacy to achieve better health for all.
Who Are Our CHWs?
CHWs Letisia Madrigal-Garcilazo and Brenda Kirk are dedicated professionals and specially trained staff in programs such as the Community Care Team. They have deep community ties and expertise in addressing social, emotional, and economic barriers to health. As part of a program for underserved Kansas communities, they work one-on-one or in small groups to build trust and provide personalized support.
Key Roles and Services
- Outreach and Education: Offering guidance on health knowledge, self-sufficiency, and preventive care, including diabetes prevention and blood pressure management programs.
- Resource Navigation: Helping with access to housing, utilities, food assistance, transportation, and enrollment in insurance or state aid programs.
- Care Coordination: Conducting home visits, monthly check-ins, and coordinating appointments with specialists, pharmacists, and therapists through programs like Care Connections for chronic conditions.
- Advocacy and Support: Overcoming language, education, or social barriers; assisting with Medicare, Medicaid, and medication programs; and facilitating safe discharge plans from the hospital.
Contributions to Community Health
CHWs at Newman Regional Health make a profound impact by decreasing challenges to healthy living and making the healthiest choices accessible. They address social determinants of health, such as food security and housing, leading to better management of chronic diseases and reduced hospitalizations. Recognized for excellence in population health and chronic disease management, our programs enhance cultural competence in service delivery and build community capacity for long-term wellness. In Kansas, CHWs contribute to health equity by supporting public health responses, preventing chronic diseases, and empowering individuals in high-risk populations.
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