Project: Health Engagement Leading to Prevention
Health Engagement Leading to Prevention (HELP) is an interdisciplinary team of a physician and two community health nurses in Asheville, North Carolina.
Wicked Problem
Health issues in subsidized and public housing can lead to eviction and unstable physical and mental health.
For example, the residents of Arrowhead Apartments in Asheville are a combination of seniors, disabled and formerly unhoused individuals. This type of subsidized housing facility is not uncommon in the U.S. Residents are on limited budgets, have a higher incidence of chronic disease, and are at greater risk for a shortened life expectancy. Many residents are eligible to receive services from social services and healthcare organizations which may impact health and their ability to remain independent in the community. However, residents face barriers to access these services. So even though they are eligible, many residents are not connected to them.
Approach
Our approach is to connect care and resources to residents by training community health workers and community nurses embedded in the community.
Impact
HELP is on a mission to achieve a safe environment for seniors, disabled, and formerly homeless individuals. The impact so far includes helping 100 residents in one community by:
- Preventing hospitalizations
- Preventing evictions
- Increasing access to care
Health Engagement Leading to Prevention Poster Presentation
LocationAsheville, North Carolina
Focus Areas Community Impact- Real Help in Real Time Grows Flowers in Healthcare Cracks
- Toolkit for Training and Utilization of Community Health Workers in Subsidized Housing
