Everyone matters. As our community’s healthcare system, we support and enhance the work of other organizations through Winona Community HUB, and it’s making a difference to individuals and families in the Winona area every day.
Brian’s story
“It’s mind boggling how many people are hurting. We all have to deal with life on life’s terms. I’ve been hurting the same or worse as people who didn’t make it. I’m not trying to say I’m stronger than they were because I’m not. The only difference is that I had help.” Brian, now in his early 50s, is talking about how Winona Community HUB has helped him get back on stable ground after a relapse in his addiction recovery. “If not for Amanda meeting me at Common Ground, my plan was to grab my backpack and head back out just like I came in – and I probably would have ended up right back where I started,” he said. Amanda Rodriguez is a community health worker at Winona Health. Brian was referred to her after seeing a primary care provider at Winona Health, who knew that for Brian’s life to change, he’d help with housing and possibly other resources beyond what can be provided in the clinic. Brian’s primary care provider referred him to a clinic social worker who met with him to learn more about his needs and connected him with Amanda. Community health workers like Amanda work with other nonprofit community organizations through Winona Community HUB. Winona Health was a founding member of Winona Community HUB, an approach to care that was born of the belief that everyone matters and deserves the support they need to help them achieve a good health outcome. It addresses health equity by acknowledging that not everyone is starting on a level playing field or needs the same kind of support. Amanda helped connect Brian with resources for housing, food, transportation, and mental health support, as one of his biggest struggles was with depression and post traumatic stress disorder. “My life was an absolute mess,” says Brian. “Because of Amanda, I’m on a better path, and I’m staying on track with my health and recovery.” “I’m passionate about helping people improve their health and their life,” said Amanda. “During my 10 years in primary care, I saw that there are many behind-the-scenes barriers impacting a person’s ability to improve their health. In connecting patients with other nonprofit organizations through Winona Community HUB and providing ongoing support we’re helping them overcome those barriers. It’s heartening to see the difference this is making for people.” Pictured: Amanda Rodriguez, Winona Health community health worker, checks in with Brian, a participant in Winona Community HUB. About Winona Community HUB: Winona Health was a founding member of Winona Community HUB, which impacts drivers of health in Winona County, reducing barriers to services by connecting individuals with the resources they need. The HUB is managed by Live Well Winona and is contracted within the Winona Health Foundation. Community-based organizations that support community health worker positions within the HUB network include: Winona Health, Family & Children’s Center, and Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota. To learn more, visit Winona Community HUB.