Jenkins Foundation awards Chesterfield Health District with a Grant
Funds support one community health worker
The Jenkins Foundation awarded Chesterfield Health District with a grant to fund one community health worker (CHW) in the North Chesterfield/Route 1 corridor.
CHWs focus on bringing resources to the most socially vulnerable populations. They provide care resource coordination and support language access when people find themselves in difficult situations.
This CHW will offer language services in the health department’s clinic, coordinate care resources for clients in need, connect community members with a primary care provider. They will also deliver the health district’s blood pressure program, which teaches people how to take their own readings, understand what they mean and learn how to make nutrition changes to improve their blood pressure.
“This blood pressure program has been active at the Virginia Department of Health since 2021, but this is the first time it’s been offered at the Chesterfield Health District,” said Health Educator Senior Martha Garcia. “Our CHWs are meeting with clients daily and are in the community at events. Instead of referring them out, they can now assist those clients who are willing to learn and take an active role in improving their health.”
This is great news for the residents of Chesterfield! Over the past year, many health departments across the state faced challenges when federal funding for CHWs was reduced. However, the Chesterfield Health District successfully retained all their CHWs, ensuring that vital support continues for the community. With this new grant, they will not only maintain their strong team but also expand their outreach and services, enhancing the overall health and well-being of Chesterfield residents.
“We are so thankful to the Jenkins Foundation for providing this grant,” said interim Population Health Manager Jessie Brennan. “It takes a village, and we are passionate about partnering with them to improve the health of Chesterfield.”