Coffee Conversation: Addressing Health Needs Beyond the Clinical Space

DULUTH, Minn. — Addressing health needs goes beyond medicinal support; often times it’s rooted in the basics like access to transportation, food security and more. Essentia Health has 10 community health workers (CHW) who work to ensure that individuals are supported inside and outside of the hospital.

CHW Sam Eades with Essentia Health joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk about how traditional health systems and community organizations can bridge together to provide those most vulnerable with the right resources.

Matching patients with a community health worker starts with a conversation and/or questionnaire. In 2023, almost 90,000 patients answered screening questions at Essentia, with nearly 14,000 of them reporting at least one need.

Amongst the most requested items were mental health needs, food security, financial assistance counseling, transportation and housing. That’s where CHWs step in to connect patients with long-term assistance. They also do follow-ups and work with them for up to three months.

In the last five years, Essentia Health has contributed more than $9 million to nearly 400 organizations that help connect people to these resources.