In Huron, South Dakota, a city known for its state fair and giant pheasant statue, a pioneering effort is transforming healthcare for its diverse community. Three dedicated community health workers employed by Huron Regional Medical Center are acting as bridges between residents and the healthcare system, navigating barriers and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives.
Stories abound of the impact these workers are making. Kelly Engebretson, recovering from a partial leg amputation, found himself struggling to arrange transportation for a prosthetic fitting. Mickie Scheibe, one of the community health workers, stepped in, offering solutions and support. Nah Thu Thu Win, a Karen refugee from Myanmar, was facing challenges getting her twin sons vaccinated due to language barriers and limited health insurance options. Paw Wah Sa, another community health worker familiar with the challenges faced by the Karen community, provided guidance and advocacy.
This Community Health Worker program, funded by a federal grant and sustained by hospital resources and Medicaid reimbursements, is not only tackling unique challenges faced by Huron’s diverse population but serving as a beacon of hope for rural communities nationwide.
The program addresses a critical need. Rural areas often face higher rates of poverty and specific health concerns. These community health workers act as essential links, helping individuals navigate complex systems, understand insurance, and access necessary care.
“They are an extension of the health care system,” explains Gabriela Boscán Fauquier, who oversees community health worker initiatives at the National Rural Health Association.
Funded by a federal grant, Huron’s initiative is now self-sustaining, with ongoing support from the hospital and Medicaid reimbursements. South Dakota has also taken proactive steps, implementing state-funded programs, formal training requirements for these workers, and allowing Medicaid reimbursement for their services.
Huron’s program is particularly sensitive to the needs of its diverse population: a mix of longstanding white residents alongside growing communities of Karen refugees from Myanmar and Hispanic migrants from the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. Many of these newcomers had limited access to healthcare before arriving in the U.S., and the community health workers provide critical education and assistance.
The impact goes beyond medical care. The workers offer crucial practical support, from coordinating appointments and assisting with insurance paperwork to accompanying clients to grocery stores and helping them understand nutrition labels. They are also culturally sensitive, recommending affordable, familiar foods that align with clients’ dietary needs and traditions.
Asława Ramos, a community health worker fluent in Spanish, guided William Arce and Wanda Serrano, Puerto Rican migrants grappling with post-surgery recovery. Ramos not only accommodated their language needs but also helped them understand their medical bills, secure crucial medical equipment, and provided them with educational materials on heart health tailored to their circumstances.
The work of these community health workers is extending beyond Huron. As rural America experiences a demographic shift, becoming more diverse while facing population decline, these programs are proving invaluable. From Native American reservations to the Black Belt region of the South and Spanish-speaking communities, community health workers are bridging health disparities and improving access to care.
The increasing recognition of their crucial role is leading to wider acceptance. Medicare now reimburses for their services, and advocates are pushing for broader adoption by state Medicaid programs and private insurers.
Engebretson, grateful for the support he’s received, expresses hope that these programs will reach more individuals across South Dakota, emphasizing their profound impact in building healthier and more connected communities.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Gabriela Boscán Fauquier, National Rural Health Association
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Gabriela. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. The community health worker initiative in Huron, South Dakota, seems like a groundbreaking model for rural health care. Can you share more about what motivated this specific program?
Gabriela Boscán Fauquier (GBF): Thank you for having me! The motivation for this program stems from the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities. In places like Huron, we see populations that often struggle with issues such as higher rates of poverty, language barriers, and complex healthcare systems. The community health worker initiative in Huron was designed to provide personalized support to bridge the gaps that many residents experience.
TNE: It’s fascinating how these workers act as links between residents and the healthcare system. Can you give us a sense of the kind of barriers they help people overcome?
GBF: Absolutely. Community health workers help navigate a variety of hurdles. For example, individuals may have difficulty understanding insurance options or may lack transportation to healthcare appointments. Take Kelly Engebretson, who struggled with transportation for a prosthetic fitting—the health worker was able to provide critical support. Then there’s Nah Thu Thu Win, who faced language barriers that made vaccination for her children challenging. The health workers offer advocacy and solutions tailored to the community’s unique needs.
TNE: That brings us to the diversity of Huron’s population, including Karen refugees and Hispanic migrants. How does the program specifically address these varying needs?
GBF: The program is uniquely equipped to handle the diversity of Huron. The community health workers often come from the same backgrounds as the residents, enabling them to build trust and rapport. They are not only knowledgeable about the healthcare system but also attuned to cultural nuances. This personalized approach ensures that residents receive the care and education they need while feeling understood and respected.
TNE: You mentioned that this initiative is funded by a federal grant and has become self-sustaining through hospital resources and Medicaid reimbursements. How significant is this model for rural communities nationwide?
GBF: This model is incredibly significant. Huron serves as a beacon of hope for similar rural areas struggling to provide adequate healthcare. By showing that a community health worker program can be initiated and sustained with local and federal support, we are paving the way for other communities to replicate this success. It’s essential that we invest in these programs so they can continue to flourish and meet ongoing needs.
TNE: Beyond medical care, what other impacts do these community health workers have on individuals and families within the community?
GBF: The impact of community health workers extends far beyond healthcare. They provide education on wellness, preventive care, and healthy living. They also help foster a greater sense of community by connecting residents to resources and services. This empowers individuals not only to take control of their health but also to be advocates for themselves and their families, ultimately working towards building a healthier community overall.
TNE: That’s remarkable. what are the next steps for expanding these types of initiatives in other rural areas?
GBF: The key next steps involve advocacy and support from both the federal and state levels. We need to continue pushing for policies that sustain and expand funding for these programs, along with formal training requirements for the workers. This ensures that the workforce is not only effective but also recognized as integral to the healthcare system. Promoting awareness and showcasing successful examples like Huron can help inspire similar initiatives across the country.
TNE: Thank you, Gabriela, for your insights today. Your perspective on the role of community health workers in rural healthcare is both enlightening and encouraging.
GBF: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this vital topic with you.
