BAKERSVILLE – Community health workers have been finding new ways to connect with patients during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Mountain Community Health Partnership, or MCHP, offers a Community Health Program in which patients enrolled in the program receive home visits from a community health worker, health coaching for chronic conditions and hand-outs for community resources.
However, because of COVID-19, the program has had to significantly change how it operates.
According to MCHP Outreach Manager Amber Dillinger, community health workers have had to adjust to new rules and guidelines.
“They have not been able to see patients in their homes,” she said. “Connections are by phone only.”
In mid-March, MCHP began delivering food boxers to community health patients and others that expressed a need. According to Dillinger, MCHP has delivered nearly 300 boxes in the three month span.
Even with this help, Dillinger said many patients have been feeling confined.
“In the past couple of weeks, community health workers have observed that patients are isolated and struggling with being home so much,” she said. “Many live alone and have no family in the area to check on them.”
In recent weeks, community health workers have started going back out to patient homes, but it looks a lot different.
Workers are visiting patients, but stay outside while the patient stays inside. Conversations are still happening by phone, but patients are able to see the worker and have some human connection.
“MCHP is taking every opportunity to serve our patients and ensure that their medical, mental, and social needs are met,” Dillinger said.
Louella Buchanan, a Mitchell County resident who receives assistance through the program, said MCHP community health workers have been invaluable.
“It means everything to me,” Buchanan said. “I know if I need something, I know you are there to help.”
Dillinger said she is appreciative of the community health workers who have put in a concerted effort to help their patients.
“I am so proud of the Community Health team and the care they provide,” Dillinger said. “They go above and beyond in their services to the community.”