Community Care Center Expands Support Through Certified Community Health Workers

Community Care Center Expands Support Through Certified Community Health Workers

When people think about healthcare, they often think about doctor visits, medications, and treatment plans. But many of the factors that influence health happen outside of a medical appointment. Transportation challenges, food insecurity, housing concerns, financial hardship, and difficulty navigating available resources can all impact a person's ability to stay healthy and access care.

To further strengthen the support available to patients, two members of the Community Care Center team have expanded their roles by becoming Certified Community Health Workers (CHWs). Jessica Kutruff, LPN, Physician Practice Manager, and Jessica Gossard, CMA, with Palliative Care, recently completed Community Health Worker certification through the Center for Population Health. While continuing to serve patients in their current roles, they have gained additional training and resources to help connect individuals with community programs and services that address social needs and support overall health and well-being.

Through their training with the Center for Population Health, Kutruff and Gossard have gained access to tools, resources, and community connections designed to help identify and address social factors that influence health. The certification program emphasizes collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and social service agencies to better support individuals and families throughout the region.

"At Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber, we recognize that health is influenced by much more than what happens during a medical appointment," said Richard M. Sukenik, Chief Executive Officer. "Challenges such as transportation, food insecurity, housing concerns, and access to community resources can have a significant impact on a person's well-being. By expanding the role of Community Health Workers within the Community Care Center, we are helping connect patients with the support they need to live healthier lives."

Community Health Workers serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and community resources. They work closely with patients to identify barriers that may affect their health and help connect them with services that can improve access to care and support healthier outcomes.

"Many patients face challenges that go beyond their medical care. Sometimes the biggest obstacle is knowing where to turn for help," said Jessica Kutruff, LPN, Certified Community Health Worker. "As a Community Health Worker, I'm excited to help connect patients with resources and support services that can make a positive difference in their health and everyday lives. Healthcare is about more than treating an illness-it's about helping people overcome barriers that may affect their well-being."

Depending on a patient's needs, Community Health Workers may assist with:

• Transportation resources
• Food assistance programs
• Housing and utility support
• Insurance and healthcare navigation
• Prescription assistance programs
• Community and social service referrals
• Other health-related support services

"One of the goals of the Community Care Center has always been to make healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of our patients," said Elliot Smith, MD, WindberCare Physicians. "Many of the challenges people face extend beyond medical care alone. By incorporating Community Health Workers into our team, we're able to better identify barriers and connect patients with resources that can improve their overall health and quality of life."

The addition of Community Health Workers complements the Community Care Center's mission of providing accessible, community-focused healthcare. In addition to walk-in primary care services, the center offers primary care, chronic disease management, preventive care, and supportive healthcare services through WindberCare Physicians providers Elliot Smith, MD; Kavitha Manjunath, MD; and Alexa Helsel, CRNP.

"When patients have access to transportation, healthy food, stable housing, and the support they need to navigate available services, they are often better positioned to manage chronic conditions and follow treatment plans," Smith said. "Community Health Workers help bridge the gap between healthcare and the community resources that support long-term wellness."

Located in the Professional Building on the Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber campus, the Community Care Center welcomes both established and non-established patients. Walk-in primary care services are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and new patients are currently being accepted.

Patients interested in learning more about Community Health Worker services or available community resources may contact the Community Care Center at 814-467-3401.

About Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers are trained professionals who help individuals navigate healthcare systems and connect with community resources that support overall health and well-being. By addressing social and economic barriers to care, Community Health Workers help improve access to services and support better health outcomes.