Blue Cross Blue Shield Grant to Lakewood Health System in Long Prairie, Minnesota

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Inc. has awarded a grant to Lakewood Health System in Long Prairie, Minnesota. This grant aims to support implementing the "Todd County Promotores" initiative, which will integrate the Community Health Coordinator into a multi-sector community team designed to deliver culturally competent practices and interventions to improve health and social outcomes for Hispanic/Latina mothers and their children. Community Health Coordinator, Johanna Kegg says, "The CHC will serve as the liaison between the Lakewood Health System, community partners, and mothers who live in Todd County. The primary focus of this project is to address health disparities and identify gaps in healthcare services that affect the well-being of Hispanic/Latina mothers in the community. Collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce and other sectors, this initiative aims to provide holistic support to improve the health outcomes of this population."

Providing care to Hispanic/Latina Mothers and Children

The winners of this grant, Lakewood Health System, will benefit from the funding by creating a dedicated position of Community Health Coordinator. This individual will serve peripartum Hispanic/Latina women in Todd County and act as a bridge between healthcare providers, facilitating seamless referral processes and connecting patients to external resources. The ultimate goal is to enhance maternal and child health outcomes by actively monitoring and providing care to Hispanic/Latina mothers and children. Moreover, the Community Health Coordinator will identify and navigate pathways to enhance family stability, which may include support in education, employment, income generation, immigration, and access to healthcare.

A Significant Impact on the Community

The impact of the Todd County Promotores project on the community will be significant. Integrating the Community Health Coordinator into a multi-sector community team aims to deliver culturally competent practices and interventions to improve health and social outcomes for Hispanic/Latina mothers and their children. Acting as a liaison between Lakewood Health System, community partners, and the mothers in Todd County, the Community Health Coordinator will ensure that the needs and concerns of the target population are effectively addressed.

The Todd County Promotores project is expected to yield positive results. By focusing on the unique needs of Hispanic/Latina mothers, the initiative will pave the way for improved health outcomes, economic stability, and enhanced social and emotional support structures for families in the community. Through collaborative efforts and a comprehensive approach, the project will help create a supportive environment that empowers Hispanic/Latina mothers and their children to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

A Referral Framework to Connect Patients with the Project

Kegg says that the Lakewood Health System will establish a referral framework in collaboration with key community partners and stakeholders to reach the target population effectively. "To reach the target population, Lakewood Health System will use a referral framework to connect Hispanic/Latina patients to the Todd County Promotores project. This referral will be designed in partnership with key community partners and stakeholders, specifically; Todd County Health & Human Services WIC/family home visiting program, WAVE/Saludos (Welcoming Advocates Valuing Everyone-grant supported by University Minnesota Extension, Region 5 and Initiative Foundation), Long Prairie Wellness Network, other area health care systems and non-profit organizations. This framework will integrate SDOH (Social Determinants of Health) screenings – including but not limited to – employment, immigration, health coverage, food, transportation, and housing security. Once a referral is made, the CHC will set up an initial appointment to follow up and engage with the patient," she says. 

An Inclusive Healthcare System in Todd County

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Grant awarded to Lakewood Health System for the Todd County Promotoras project holds great promise for the Hispanic/Latina community in Long Prairie, Minnesota. Through targeted interventions, culturally sensitive care, and collaboration with various stakeholders, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Hispanic/Latina mothers and their children. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this population, the project will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system in Todd County.