THE FOLLOWING IS A CARLE HEALTH RELEASE
ABOVE: From left, Shaniece Johnson, Community Health Worker; Kathryn Wimmer, Community Health Worker; Danna Williamson, RN, Faith Community Nurse/Community Health Worker; Brittany Cain, Community Health Worker Supervisor; and Gregory Scott, RN, manager, Community Wellness & Faith Community Health Services.
Urbana, Ill. – Thanks to outreach through the Community Health Worker Services in Vermilion County, the Illinois Public Health Association is naming Carle Health the Community Health Worker (CHW) Employer of the Year.
Announced Sept. 11 at the 84th Annual Public Health Workforce Conference, the recognition comes from the oldest public health agency in Illinois, created in 1940 with a focus on health equity and wellbeing.
Carle Health launched Community Health Worker services in 2024 with support from the Illinois Department of Health and Family Services. The workers are part of the Community Health Initiatives at the health system. Thus far, the care teams have provided support to 183 clients in Vermilion County. Workers act as a bridge from the primary care provider to vital healthcare services, community organizations and local agencies. Considering non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, each worker meets individuals where they are in life by conducting home visits and recommending resources and solutions to help clients overcome obstacles to living their best lives.
“The honor reflects the highest level of compassion and care that each Community Health Worker provides to clients daily. Carle Health values the deep-rooted sense of service each team member brings to help others overcome barriers and thrive. Working to positively impact the lives of every client in turn positively impacts overall community health,” Gregory Scott, manager, Community Wellness & Faith Community Health Services, said. The team’s efforts reflect that passion for their work in the Carle Health’s Community Health Worker Services motto, “Improving the community’s overall health by helping one person at a time.”
Tom Hughes, executive director, Illinois Public Health Association, said, “This prestigious recognition reflects your outstanding achievements. Your hard work, dedication and passion have clearly made a meaningful impact, and this recognition is truly well-earned.”
Carle Health CHW programming is part of the Vermilion County Community Health Collaborative, a cross-agency strategy to improve chronic care outcomes and provide specialty and preventative care in the county. Learn more about how to request support or join the effort at carle.org/CHW.
