ABOUT US
The HD CHW Program, also known as Hardee DeSoto Community Health Worker Program, is a FREE program that improves access to and navigation through care for enrolled individuals. We are able to provide this program through funding provided by HRSA through the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program.
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Through this funding, a consortium of healthcare leaders in Hardee and DeSoto County made a commitment to work together to improve pathways to care for patients and improve the quality of care patients receive.
The HD CHW Program consortium is led by community healthcare providers in Hardee County (Advent Health, Central Florida Health Care, the Department of Health) and DeSoto County (Family Care Medical and DeSoto Memorial Hospital). We are supported by Heartland Rural Health Network and our partners at Healthy Start Coalition of Highlands, Hardee and Polk Counties, and Hardee Help Center.
Our community health workers serve underserved communities in rural Hardee and DeSoto Counties. We specialize in assisting individuals who have limited financial resources, lack transportation options, do not speak English fluently, have specific health conditions, or lack access to quality health care. We strive to create a professional and supportive relationship with our clients by adhering to our core values: integrity, ethics, collaboration, and quality.
Our CHWs meet you where you are! This includes the patient's home, workplace, school, community center, or faith-based organization. We also have offices if you prefer to come to us.
Our CHWs provide many services including, Care Coordination, Health Education, Care Support, and Telehealth Support!
OUR VISION
All residents can access quality care that's easy to navigate regardless of race, income level, or immigration status.
OUR STRATEGIC PURPOSE
The HD CHW Program collaborates with health leaders to provide easy access to quality care through health assessments conducted by CHWs, linkages to care, home-based health education and assistance accessing and using community resources for ALL residents.
OUR STRATEGIES
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Decrease barriers to health for enrolled patients
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Provide appropriate health resources with CHW
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Increase the quality of care across participating healthcare providers
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Create opportunities for positive changes in attitudes as it relates to the patient’s assessment of their health
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Improve health communication in the target population
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Address long-term sustainability/viability