University of Kentucky College of Education’s Post

In this age of rampant online misinformation, It is more important than ever to make available expertly vetted, reliable healthcare information to the public. Libraries are such an important resource. ConnectWell is leading the way!

Communities are the ones most directly impacted by healthcare interventions, yet they are often excluded from the decision-making process when it comes to new programs and policies. When healthcare initiatives designed to improve outcomes are not informed by community interests, concerns, and needs, they often miss the mark. True, meaningful community engagement is key to driving lasting change. By fostering partnerships and building coalitions, we can mobilize resources, influence systems, and act as catalysts for changing policies, programs, and practices. This kind of collaboration can significantly improve health outcomes by driving both environmental and behavioral change, ultimately advancing health equity. It's time to listen to the voices of those we serve and transform the systems that affect their health. What are your thoughts on community engagement? Let me know in the comments! Image comes from the article "Assessing Meaningful Community Engagement: a Conceptual Model to Advance Health Equity through Transformed Systems for Health." #communityengagement #communityhealth #healthequity

🌟 Celebrating 60 Years of Impact: The Legacy of Community Health Centers As I reflect on the remarkable journey of Community Health Centers over the past six decades, I'm reminded of their profound impact on the American healthcare ecosystem. Born out of the Civil Rights Movement and the War on Poverty, these centers were founded with a revolutionary idea: healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of one's socio-economic status. From their humble beginnings in Mount Bayou, Mississippi, and Boston, Massachusetts, Community Health Centers have grown into the nation's largest and most successful primary care network, serving over 31 million individuals across the country. Their unwavering commitment to health equity and community empowerment has improved countless lives and reshaped our healthcare approach. These centers exemplify the power of community collaboration, bringing together healthcare professionals, community leaders, and government support to create a holistic healthcare ecosystem. They offer a wide array of services, from primary care to behavioral health, ensuring comprehensive care that extends beyond the traditional healthcare setting. As innovators and problem solvers, Community Health Centers have been at the forefront of addressing America's most pressing public health challenges, including natural disasters and pandemics. Their role in reducing health disparities, preventing illness, and addressing social determinants of health like nutrition, mental health, and homelessness is unparalleled. As we look to the future, it's important to advocate for long-term funding so that Community Health Centers can continue to advance their mission of providing quality, accessible healthcare to all. To delve deeper into the rich history of Community Health Centers and their pivotal role in shaping our healthcare system, visit the Chronicles website: https://lnkd.in/gavwP7dp #CommunityHealth #HealthcareInnovation #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #ValueCHCs

Happy National Health Center Week! Did you know that Mosaic is a "Community Health Center"? Do you know why that makes us different? Community Health Centers were founded out of the Civil Rights Movement and the War on Poverty in the 1960s as a way to address population health issues beyond just clinical diagnoses — by focusing on the root of health disparities caused by poverty, inequality, lack of access to care, and other socio-economic factors. Since then, the Health Center Program has grown to become a key part of the nation’s healthcare system. Partially funded by government grants, Community Health Centers MUST meet the Health Center Program requirements, which include: - Having a governing board where a majority of its members are patients - Focusing on the needs of the groups of people and the areas they serve - Developing systems of care that center on the patient - Serving everyone, even if they cannot pay - Charging for services on a sliding fee scale - Providing all required services - Following everything else the Compliance Manual requires Learn more about the history of Health Centers and their birth during the 1960s on the National Association of Health Care Centers blog: https://loom.ly/_1Ihdkw. #NHCW24 #ValueCHCs #QualityCareForAll

🚀 Community Health Workers (CHWs) are breaking barriers to healthcare access. This article from Tufts University highlights the critical role CHWs play in connecting underserved populations to essential healthcare services. By addressing both clinical and social needs, CHWs are improving health outcomes in communities nationwide. 🏥 Learn how CHWs are reshaping access to care. https://hubs.la/Q02PRQvT0 #CommunityHealth #CHWs #HealthcareAccess #SDoH #CareCoordination

The Yale Daily News recently published a wonderful article highlighting our work at CARE to address health disparities in New Haven through community engagement. It’s an important reminder for those of us working in public health that while we often focus on the needs and challenges facing our communities, that approach alone doesn’t capture the full picture. What I’ve come to realize is that focusing solely on deficits can overshadow the incredible strengths already present within our communities. New Haven is a perfect example of this. Yes, we aim to improve conditions (and we must do this at the systems level!), but it's equally important to celebrate the assets that make this city so vibrant and powerful. At CARE, we’re fortunate to do both: work collectively with the community to drive change, while also honoring the incredible assets that already exist. As I say in the article, “One important approach is also identifying what are the assets that the New Haven community has. New Haven is a rich, powerful, vibrant city and we really look to honor and build upon those assets that already exist within the New Haven community.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eHh8XN7r Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE) Yale School of Public Health Southern Connecticut State University

I accompanied our Senior Community Connector to the Hospital for an information session. Most people see the hospital as a place you go to get treatment or visit a loved one. Indeed, it's all these things but it's also a place to get information about support services available. I was able to view a hospital through another lens as I took time to actually read the notice boards and look over the flyers and information on safe and effective patient care. It was an opportunity to engage with people through the eyes of community connectors how to sign post and provide greatly needed social care information to encourage access to health and social care services. I noticed other support services available for staff, patients, carers and families to improve spiritual care and well-being, the sanctuary garden and remembrance tree. I don't think I have ever noticed any of these! Like most people, we just zip in, see the doctor, do the test etc and zip out again. I encourage everyone to take time to look at the notice boards or go by people sitted by stalls when next you are in the hospital. Community Connectors are there to listen with empathy and sign post you to resources and services. You may find information that will aid your understanding of your diagnosis or get support that may be useful in your recovery. I certainly learned some and I will be attending hospital with a different level of curiosity.....really looking around and not just for signage and directions. #engagement and Participation #health improvement # Community Connectors # Community Development Practitioners #access to health and social care # addressing health inequalities

Community health is more than just providing medical services; it's about reaching out, building trust, and making a lasting impact. Our Community Health Outreach and Engagement Program is designed to do just that. 🔹 **Empowering Residents**: We believe in empowering residents with the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthier lives. Through education, we're bridging the gap between healthcare providers and communities. 🔹 **Fostering Partnerships**: Collaboration is key. By fostering partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses, we're creating a robust network of support that ensures sustainability and long-term success. 🔹 **Cultural Competency**: Understanding cultural nuances enhances our approach. By respecting and incorporating diverse cultural perspectives, we're ensuring that our outreach is effective and respectful. 🔹 **Accessibility and Convenience**: Health services should be within reach for everyone. We're bringing clinics into neighborhoods, offering flexible hours, and providing services in multiple languages to make healthcare more accessible. 🔹 **Ongoing Engagement**: Outreach is not a one-time effort. Continuous engagement, follow-ups, and community feedback loops help us refine and improve our programs to better serve the community. 🔹 **Measurable Impact**: We’re committed to measurable, positive outcomes. Through rigorous data collection and analysis, we track our successes and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that every step we take is making a difference. Join us in building a healthier community, one connection at a time. Together, we can transform the healthcare landscape by making it inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all. #CommunityHealth #Outreach #Engagement #HealthcareForAll #Empowerment

Sarah, will you address why Wellcare starting Jan 1 2025 is abandoning thousands of agents and brokers that have serviced and assisted Wellcare members all these years? Cutting off independent agents and agencies nationwide in 2025 will result in massive disruption to those Wellcare members currently enrolled in Part D plans. It is not fair to Seniors who rely on their local broker to guide them and assist them. It is not fair to the brokers who work hard to help them and will now be forced to turn away those same Seniors and inform them they are "on their own" for service and support. Pulling the rug out from your agent and broker community has sent shockwaves through the industry. You really should talk with Wellcare's CEO Michael Carson and direct him to retract the recent decision to eliminate all compensation for agents and brokers on part D plans, including new AND renewal policies. Is it worth alienating the massive broker community to save the company a few bucks (less than $5 per member per month)?

As we continue to navigate complex public health challenges, I've been reflecting on the critical role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in shaping community well-being. Today, I want to share some thoughts on how we can leverage SDOH through community engagement to make more informed decisions about community needs. Key points to consider: 1. Understanding SDOH: Social determinants of health encompass the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These include factors like education, job opportunities, income, housing, and access to healthcare. 2. Community Engagement is Crucial: To truly understand how SDOH impact a specific community, we must engage directly with community members. Their lived experiences provide invaluable insights that data alone can't capture. 3. Data-Driven Decision Making: While personal stories are important, combining them with quantitative data on SDOH can provide a more comprehensive picture of community needs. 4. Identifying Priority Areas: Through community engagement and SDOH analysis, we can identify the most pressing issues facing a community, whether it's food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or limited access to healthcare. 5. Tailored Interventions: Understanding SDOH allows us to develop more targeted and effective interventions that address the root causes of health disparities. 6. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Addressing SDOH often requires collaboration across different sectors - healthcare, education, housing, and more. Community engagement can help foster these partnerships. 7. Continual Feedback Loop: Community engagement shouldn't be a one-time event. Establishing ongoing dialogue ensures that interventions remain relevant and effective as community needs evolve. By leveraging our understanding of social determinants of health and actively engaging with communities, we can make more informed, equitable, and impactful decisions about resource allocation and program development. I'm curious to hear from others working in public health, community development, or related fields. How are you incorporating SDOH and community engagement in your decision-making processes? What challenges and successes have you experienced? Let's continue this important conversation in the comments! #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #CommunityEngagement #PublicHealth #EquitableDecisionMaking #bkonnected #sdohs #resident #success #community #decision #data #publichealth