HUTCHINSON, KS — The Health Fund honored Phillips County Health Systems with its 2024 Janet Sevier Gilbreath Special Project Recognition Award during a ceremony May 6 in Hutchinson, Kansas.
This annual award celebrates a standout project that received grant support during that year from the Health Fund.
Phillips County Health Systems (PCHS) was honored for its exemplary community health worker (CHW) program, which it began and has continued since 2021 with support from the Health Fund.
CHWs are trusted community members professionally trained to help people navigate the health care system. They also work with individuals to identify difficulties and develop plans to overcome challenges.
CHWs have extensive knowledge of community resources and services, so they can connect people to the medical and social services they need to improve their health outcomes. They often provide community outreach and education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. As valued members of health care teams, CHWs enable medical providers to work at the top of their scopes of practice and ensure continuity of care.
PCHS’ program has built relationships with local pharmacies, the Health Department, the Area Agency on Aging, the Ministerial Alliance, Meals on Wheels, Home Health agencies and more. By building trust, the program has helped PCHS gain new patients as well as increase patient retention and satisfaction.
“As a CHW, I can go beyond the hospital walls and visit with patients in their safe spaces. Health care can be very intimidating to some, and the CHW is there to build the bridge between the patient and their best overall health and wellness. We not only address the issue at hand, we dive in to find out the why behind the illness. We can do this in hospitals, clinics, health departments and more,” said Kelly Moffatt, PCHS CHW.
The program got a client into a much-needed drug and alcohol program, helped another secure financial support for insulin, and found local businesses and volunteers to help an elderly woman pack and move to safer housing. In another success, a patient receiving help applying for Medicaid, food assistance, disability, prescription assistance, and energy assistance had a mammogram shortly before her insurance was cancelled. An urgent biopsy was recommended but declined due to cost. The CHW connected the patient to Early Detection Works, which expedited her Medicaid application and saw her through successful treatment for stage two breast cancer.
Katie Schoenhoff, Health Fund vice president of programs, said PCHS has demonstrated outstanding dedication in advancing the community health worker initiative. By broadening their care team and integrating social drivers of health into their approach, they are ensuring individuals receive the medical care, resources and support they need to improve their overall well-being.
“Their commitment to expanding the role of community health workers has not only enhanced access to essential care, but it has also strengthened the compassionate support available to residents,” Schoenhoff said. “We are proud to recognize their initiative and unwavering service to the community as a model for rural health excellence.”
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