The Life of a Community Health Worker: Making a Difference One Person at a Time

Community Health Worker Autumn Orta photographed stocking a food pantry at the Manchester Community Resource Center

 

At Trinity Health Michigan, many hospitals offer local support through community health workers (CHWs). These are trusted men and women tasked with helping bridge gaps between local residents and the care or support they need. Unlike social workers, who can provide clinical diagnoses to patients, CHWs focus their time and attention on connecting people with essential resources that enhance their health and wellbeing.

According to Autumn Orta, a CHW at Chelsea Hospital, “There's no such thing as a typical workday for a community health worker.”

“I spend a lot of administrative time reviewing emails and phone calls we’ve received from community members in need of support,” said Autumn. “I’m experienced and knowledgeable about local resources available in the communities we serve, so I can help guide people with who they should call or where they can go to get the help they need. I have relationships with many of the community organizations in our service area and I work with them regularly to help connect people with services and support.” 

For example, Autumn has a strong relationship with the Manchester Food Pantry, which offers financially distressed individuals and families with daily needs such as paper products, personal care items and cleaning supplies. “We regularly visit places like the pantry where we engage the community," says Autumn. “The pantry sometimes schedules appointments for me to meet with community members, so I meet with them to address their needs, whether it's food, insurance coverage, financial assistance, or securing medical equipment. Other times I run into people while I’m there and through some friendly discussion, we discover they can use my support.”

Autumn’s role extends far beyond simply providing information. She carefully assesses the situation and the life circumstances of each person she meets. She then creates a personalized roadmap of what resources can best support them. When necessary, she connects people with Trinity Health support or third-party organizations for further assistance. “I will literally pick up the phone and make phone calls for people, whether it’s to a local organization, a physician’s office, or to an insurance provider,” said Autumn. “I’m here to advocate for people and guide them as if they were a member of my own family.”

One of the biggest challenges CHWs face according to Autumn is the sheer volume of need. "There are always people that need support," Autumn acknowledges. "It’s difficult for me sometimes to leave work at night or to take a vacation day because I have a heart to serve, and I know there are more people that can use my help.”

Another hurdle Autumn contends with is that resources are limited, especially when it comes to supporting low-income individuals or seniors living on a fixed income. "Sometimes it just doesn't seem like enough," Autumn says. "But we are blessed to be supported by Trinity Health and we try to leverage the resources of other like-minded organizations whose missions call on them to serve the community.”

Though the challenges are significant, they are eclipsed by the profound impact that CHWs like Autumn make in the community. About five years ago, Autumn recalls helping a man secure insurance coverage. "He wasn't planning on needing it but someone suggested it was a good idea for him to have it, which is why he reached out to me," she says. “I discussed it with him, helped him pick a plan, and I tried to emphasize the importance of scheduling annual preventative care visits. A month later, he called me saying he indeed had met with a primary care physician, and following lab work it was discovered he had pancreatic cancer. He was fortunate they caught it very early and treated him.”

Another success story she recalls involved a single mom struggling following a divorce. Autumn connected the woman with financial assistance, food aid, and new health insurance for herself and her kids. "We also helped her find a part-time job," Autumn says, “which empowered her to provide for her family.” Autumn went on to say, “She was grateful, not only for the resources we connected her with, but for the support we offered her as she was processing this life event and the impact it would have for her and her children."

If you're seeking support or guidance on navigating health care resources, connecting with a Community Health Worker is a great first step. Here's how to get in touch:

• Visit findhelp.org to explore local resources on your own.
• Email CHW4U@trinity-health.org to connect with a Trinity Health CHW directly. Appointments can take place over the phone, via video call, or in person.
• If you're a patient of a Trinity Health affiliated provider, they can refer you to a CHW through the Trinity Health electronic medical record system.

Remember, CHWs are here to help everyone, regardless of age or income. So don't hesitate to reach out and take charge of your well-being.