Donor-funded pilot program supports health and overall well-being for a local population in need
When Pattie Callaham visited Centra Medical Group – Brookneal as a new patient, the care she received extended far beyond clinical services. Thanks to a donor-funded pilot program that employs a community health worker for the service area, she now has food, help with housing and utilities, hope for the future and a connection with someone who lets her know that she’s not alone.
Pattie Callaham smiles and tears up all at the same time when she talks about how her life has changed since her new patient appointment at Centra Medical Group – Brookneal.
“I have food. I have healthcare. And I know someone cares about me,” she said. “My appointment turned out to be so much more than I expected. It changed my life.”
There, through a screening, nurses realized Pattie needed assistance with food, housing and utilities. A referral was sent to Alexandra (Alex) Jack, Centra’s first community health worker, to see if she could connect Pattie to resources in the community.
Thanks to funding from Foster Foundation and other generous donors, Alex is part of a pilot program that serves the Centra Medical Group – Brookneal service area and aims to address the full spectrum of health needs in a vulnerable local population.
Alex immediately began to work with Pattie to find needed supports and assistance.
“I was especially concerned about her not having access to food,” Alex shared. “I was glad I could help. A lot of times people in the community don’t know where to go for assistance. I connect them with local organizations to ensure their needs are being met. I’m in the office two to three days a week and the other days I’m out in the community meeting people, providing health education, or learning about organizations in our community and which services they offer.”
She enjoys working with patients like Pattie.
Pattie shared, “Mrs. Jack and everyone there helped me, and I love them for it. She listens to me. It makes me feel better and I know I’m not alone. I don’t know what I would have done without the help. I’m so thankful.”
A holistic approach to health and well-being
Centra recognizes that health is determined by many factors, including nutrition, housing and healthcare. Centra’s Community Health serves local communities by connecting, supporting and fostering resources for communities’ overall health.
Alex was hired as part of the Community Health Services Team in April of 2023.
Community Health Workers are an important part of the healthcare team,” said Pat Young, vice president, Community Health Services. “They are from the communities they serve and because of that, they often have established trusting relationships with their patients. They are “boots on the ground” and are a key connector to resources in the community for those who are unable to navigate the complexities of the health and human services system.”
As a member of the Centra healthcare team, Alex also serves as a patient advocate. She works closely with providers and Caregivers to help patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care.
“I have worked hard to help the community understand my role,” she said. “It’s a broad approach to health and caring for patients.”
Caring for the community
The role was a natural fit for Alex. She has deep ties to the community and to healthcare.
“I grew up here and this is my way of giving back,” she said. “I feel like I’m carrying on the tradition of caring for this community because my grandfather, Dr. John Campbell, started one of the first doctor’s offices in Brookneal, which is actually the office where I work now.”
She remembers sitting on his lap in the office as a child. There is a plaque outside the building with his name on it. Other members of her family also served the community through Centra and in various ways.
“My grandfather encouraged me to follow my dream of going into the medical field,” she said. “My role and providing care in this way is really fulfilling. What we call social determinants of health – anything outside of standard healthcare like food, housing, transportation and more – can really have a profound impact on someone’s health.”
Gratitude for help and a local impact
Although Alex grew up in Brookneal, she continues to learn about community resources. She checks in regularly with Pattie and other patients to see if their needs have changed and to listen to how they are doing. Social connection is another important determinant of health.
Both Pattie and Alex are grateful for those who helped to make the program and their connection possible.
“I can’t even count the times I’ve been in the house and been hungry and needed something to eat and had nothing,” Pattie said. “I prayed for it. This was an answer to prayer. Alex was an answer to prayer. I want to thank each and every person who helped to make the program possible and had a hand in it. I appreciate them all very, very much.”
Alex marvels at the impact the program has had in a such a short time.
“I would like to say thank you to the donors who helped to make this program possible,” Alex said. “We are able to provide more services to people and families in our service area. It’s a great program. It’s definitely making a difference in people’s lives.”
Your gift to the Greatest Need Fund directly impacts the health of people like Pattie right here in our local communities.
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