The Cooper Foundation was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, to expand a program that addresses societal barriers to health care access.
The program deploys community health workers (CHWs) in Camden and surrounding counties to improve health care access, reduce inpatient hospital stays and emergency department visits, and increase behavioral and specialty care visits by addressing social barriers to health.
“This crucial funding will enable us to extend our reach and make a meaningful difference in the lives of even more residents in Camden and surrounding counties. Together, we can continue to build healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come,” said Philip A. Norcross, Esq., chairman of The Cooper Foundation Board.
“Community health workers are trusted members of their community who serve as liaisons between community members and the health care system. They identify social determinants of health needs that affect health, such as employment, food, transportation, and education, and provide necessary community resources while setting and achieving patient-centered goals to help guide their patients toward self-efficacy and overall wellness,” said Danielle Santiago-Roach, manager of Cooper’s Community Health Worker Program.
The Community Health Worker Program reaches Camden, Burlington, Atlantic, Gloucester, and Salem counties. It provides education on navigating health insurance benefits and on improving self-support, advocacy skills, and overall health and well-being.
“In recent years, there has been an increase in both socio-economic and mental health stressors for many people. By identifying these needs and connecting patients to resources within the community, my patients are better able to manage their chronic medical problems. The Community Health Worker Program has been instrumental in facilitating those connections to much-needed resources,” said Frank P. Aliganga, MD, a primary care doctor with Cooper Family Medicine.
“I have been so grateful to have access to this CHW program. As providers, we see how much social determinants of health can affect our patients’ ability to take care of their health and their families and children. Previously, I have been so frustrated about my lack of time and resources to help these patients. I feel a sense of relief when I walk into an exam room, and the CHW is there with my patient. It means that someone is helping my patients take charge and navigate an often opaque social services system,” said Camille A. Henry, MD, a primary care physician with Cooper Family Medicine.
“The Community Health Worker Program has been instrumental in providing access to necessary care for our patients. This team has made a great difference in how we take care of our patients and has given us the opportunity to offer them more resources,” said Ashley Michael, DO, a primary care physician with Cooper Internal Medicine.