On July 18, 2024, at Michael Lepp Spray Park in Somerset County residents gathered for the "Meet Your Community Health Worker" event, organized by the Healthy Women, Healthy Families (HWHF) program of Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC). This lively and informative event offered a unique opportunity for families to connect with their Community Health Workers (CHWs) and learn more about the impactful Healthy Women, Healthy Families initiative.
Bridging the Gap with Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers serve as vital connectors in the community, acting as bridges that link women, children, and their families to essential local resources. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in:
- Connecting to Resources: Helping families access a wide range of local resources, from healthcare services to social support programs.
- Enrollment Assistance: Assisting with enrollment into both health-related and non-health-related services, ensuring families receive comprehensive support. This can include WIC, food-assistance, child-care, and more.
- Health Education: Providing valuable education on health topics before, during, and after pregnancy, empowering birthing people and people of childbearing age with the knowledge they need for healthy living.
- Individualized Case Management: Offering personalized support, Community Health Workers maintain communication through phone calls, texts, and in-person to address the unique needs of each family.
A Day of Fun and Learning
The "Meet Your Community Health Worker" event was more than just informative—it was a day filled with fun in the sun. Participants enjoyed lunch and refreshing beverages while soaking up the sun at the spray park. Children played in the water, highlighting the importance of health and community.
Families had the chance to meet their Community Health Workers face-to-face, forging stronger connections and gaining a deeper understanding of the resources available to them. The event also provided a platform for families to meet and interact with one another, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Looking Ahead
Healthy Women, Healthy Families is a statewide initiative with a mission to improve maternal and infant health outcomes for women of childbearing age and their families. The program focuses on reducing racial, ethnic, and economic disparities, ensuring that all families have access to the care and support they need for a healthy future.
Events like "Meet Your Community Health Worker" underscore the critical role that community health initiatives play in building healthier, more connected communities. By bridging gaps, providing education, and offering personalized support, CHWs and programs like HWHF are making a tangible difference in the lives of families across Somerset County.
We look forward to many more such events, where the spirit of community and the commitment to health come together to create lasting positive impacts. Thank you to all who attended and made this day a resounding success!
Stay tuned for more updates and events from Healthy Women, Healthy Families as we continue our mission to support and uplift our community by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin, and signing up for our regular newsletter.
