The unwavering commitment of Providence Swedish South Puget Sound Community Health Workers to Providence's Mission
SOUTH PUGET SOUND — I am thrilled to share with you the remarkable journey and ongoing efforts of our South Puget Sound Community Health Workers (CHWs), a team that truly epitomizes the Mission of Providence. Over the past four years, our CHWs have been an invaluable asset to our community, reflecting our unwavering commitment to health equity and compassion.
Initially launched as part of the $50 million funding commitment towards Health Equity by our System during the COVID-19 pandemic, this program was conceived to reach out to marginalized communities, ensuring they received the resources and support they desperately needed. The profound impact of this initiative has led Providence Medical Group Southwest Washington to sustain these positions within our own budget for the past two years, solidifying our dedication to this vital work.
Our team of CHWs, currently comprising Arin Mower and Laura Hardison, brings a wealth of lived experiences to their roles, making them uniquely capable of connecting with and aiding our patients. Arin, who recently celebrated 10 years of sobriety, has personally experienced homelessness and battled addiction and mental health challenges in Olympia. Her journey exemplifies resilience and empathy, allowing her to provide unparalleled support to those facing similar struggles. Laura, who moved here without speaking English, has been a beacon of hope and assistance to many undocumented residents, leveraging her own experiences to build trust and rapport with her patients.
The 2024 data is a testament to their tireless efforts:
· 1,044 patients connected to care
· 661 new patients seen
· 41 patients enrolled in Medicaid
· 113 patients referred to food services
· an astounding 4,982 individual touches through phone calls, referrals, and patient meetings.
These numbers reflect the depth and breadth of their reach, but the real impact goes beyond statistics.
Our CHWs are modern-day Sisters of Providence, embodying mobility and accessibility by carrying backpacks filled with essential resources, meeting patients wherever they are —be it parks, libraries, or their homes. They address the social drivers of health, bridging gaps in transportation, food security, and access to medical and mental health care. They have even facilitated chemical dependency treatment and primary care connections, ensuring that no one is left behind.
A significant portion of their patients, approximately 10-15 percent, are not even Providence patients, highlighting our commitment to supporting the community as a whole. Arin's monthly visits to the Peace Center in Olympia to engage with the unhoused population and provide on-the-spot referrals exemplify this outreach.
The work our CHWs do is indispensable, and I want to take this moment to extend my deepest gratitude to Arin, Laura, and the entire team for their relentless dedication to making a positive impact on our community.
Thank you for embodying the spirit of Providence in your daily endeavors and for continuing to support and uplift those who need it most.
