ChristianaCare has been awarded a $250,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (Highmark Delaware) to enhance outreach services for Medicare-eligible patients in Delaware.
Funded through HighmarkDelaware’s BluePrints for the Community program, the grant will fund the first ChristianaCare Community Health Worker (CHW) program dedicated to offering comprehensive support to eligible Medicare patients throughout the state, ensuring these individuals have access to essential resources and assistance, regardless of their insurance provider.
“This initiative is aimed at reducing disparities among senior patients throughout Delaware and aligns directly with ChristianaCare’s mission to serve our neighbors as expert and compassionate partners in their health,” said Christine Donohue-Henry, M.D., MBA, chief population health officer at ChristianaCare.
“We are dedicated to creating innovative, effective, affordable and equitable healthcare systems that meet the needs of our community, ensuring that all individuals receive the quality health care they deserve,” she said.
A CHW serves as a frontline liaison, helping individuals and families navigate the health, social and community service systems to promote health and well-being.
The new program will enable ChristianaCare’s CHWs to broaden their outreach to eligible older adults. This effort will involve conducting screenings to identify the social care needs of these patients. Additionally, referrals will be made through the Unite Us platform, which enables ChristianaCare caregivers to connect patients with vital community resources.
“Community Health Workers are an essential part of the care team for the appropriate patient,” said Erin Booker, LPC, chief biopsychosocial officer for ChristianaCare. “They are able to perform roles that differ from nurses, doctors, and social workers and create a more holistic model of care. The Community Health Worker serves as an essential link between the health care system and the community.
“By utilizing this grant to establish the program and demonstrate its effectiveness and the positive outcomes in both patient health and social needs, we can lay the groundwork for future investments. This project aligns perfectly with ChristianaCare’s mission to enhance the health and well-being of older adults across the state,” Booker said.
Housed by the Delaware Community Foundation, HighmarkDelaware’s BluePrints for the Community has contributed over $35 million to the community since its inception in 2007. It was established to increase access to care and reduce health care disparities in Delaware.
“We are proud to invest in ChristianaCare’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of older adults in Delaware,” said Nick Moriello, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. “This BluePrints for the Community investment empowers ChristianaCare to expand their outreach program, ensuring that Medicare-eligible patients have access to essential services and resources. By addressing health and social needs, we can work together to create a healthier and more equitable community for all.”
“On behalf of the entire ChristianaCare family, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Nick Moriello and the team at the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware for their partnership and generous gift,” said Dia Williams Adams, MPA, vice president of philanthropy at ChristianaCare.
Source: Christiana Care