Community Health Worker Institute at Montefiore Einstein helps people address social issues
The Community Health Worker Institute at Montefiore Einstein is a dedicated center to connecting people with the right resources to address social needs.
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The Community Health Worker Institute at Montefiore Einstein is a dedicated center to connecting people with the right resources to address social needs.
"A lot of the services here in New York City can be very overwhelming. It's a large city, large departmental agencies that assist with social services. And it can be very overwhelming for a patient that is dealing with chronic health issues," said Nadia Hernandez, a community health worker.
News 12 crews met with Hernandez and her patient, Beulah Deamus White, to discuss how the partnership works. White was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer and needed a home aide to help with tasks around the house. White told News 12 she wasn't getting through to FreedomCare, but with the help of Hernandez, White was able to secure a home aide almost immediately.
Community health workers can make phone calls, write emails and walk patients through social services throughout the city. The director of the program, Kevin Fiori, explained to News 12 how the system works.
"I'm a pediatrician. I see lots, a lot of little guys with asthma. I can talk to a mom or dad about, you know, you need to take this medication to control their asthma," he said. "But if they go home to a place that has mold or pests, all of the things that I just talked about are not going to be as effective. Now, if they can work with somebody like Nadia who can help them with that mold remediation, while I do the teaching on the controlled medication, we have a better chance that that kid's going to be healthier."
According to Montefiore, about 20% of Montefiore's patients have social needs, like housing and food insecurity and patients with social needs are more likely to miss a primary care appointment.
The Community Health Worker Institute is working to change that narrative.
The institute has supported 13,000 Bronx households.
Those interested in connecting with a community health worker can contact their primary care provider through Montefiore.
