When someone doesn’t have housing, enough to eat, access to transportation, or is struggling with serious mental health issues, they probably are not thinking about getting their annual wellness visits or managing their health. With health disparities and chronic conditions adversely affecting historically underserved populations, Winona Community HUB helps to provide essential services that fall outside the scope of standard medical care. From addressing basic needs like housing and transportation to more complex support like social service referrals and access to mental health resources, the HUB acts as a central registry of local care navigation. Addressing health equity It’s an approach that addresses health equity by acknowledging that not everyone is starting on a level playing field and not everyone needs the same type of support. “Winona Community HUB helps people identify barriers to health and connects them with resources to overcome those barriers.” said Vanessa Southworth, Winona Community HUB director with Live Well Winona. “For example, if someone is experiencing homelessness, we connect them with a community health worker at the appropriate agency like Catholic Charities in Winona. Community partners, working together, are making a meaningful and measurable difference for people in our community.” The HUB is made up of community-based organizations forming a network of support. It impacts drivers of health in Winona County by connecting individuals with certified community health workers who help them find the resources needed to address barriers to health. They help individuals with the kind of one-on-one support they need outside the healthcare system, which means other healthcare providers can function at the highest level of their licensure, providing patients with the clinical care needed within a healthcare setting. Strong partnerships and results lead to program certification In September 2022, Winona Community HUB earned Pathways Community HUB Institute’s Level 1 Certification. By achieving this certification, Winona Community HUB has demonstrated that it meets the majority (at least 90 percent) of the national standards for community care coordination services and that its programs and services are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. “We’re planning for the long-term – not a quick fix. Achieving certification is a great accomplishment by all of our partners. It’s the result of strong partnerships, collaboration and groundbreaking work in the Winona community,” said Kelly Fluharty, care transformation manager at Winona Health. “The HUB partners have already been doing the work and providing services to people in our community because it is the right thing to do. What this certification means is that the important services being provided by Winona Community HUB partners are now eligible for reimbursement by insurance plans.” Two payers (insurance plans) are reimbursing for eligible services provided through Winona Community HUB with payments going to the service agency that closes an identified “gap” or barrier to an individual’s health, such as lack of housing, food, employment, social services or medical care. Innovative. Inclusive. Compassionate. Winona Health was a founding member of Winona Community HUB. Rachelle Schultz, president/CEO of Winona Health, said, “This is a community at its best: Dedicated people developing innovative, inclusive and compassionate programs to help everyone in our community get the care and services they need.” The HUB is managed by Live Well Winona and is contracted within the Winona Health Foundation. Community-based organizations that currently support community health worker positions within the HUB network include: Winona Health, Family & Children’s Center, and Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota. Pictured: Winona Community HUB partners collaborate to provide resources and support that have a positive impact on participants’ health and wellbeing. Winona Community HUB team includes (left to right): Jacqueline Henderson, Winona Community HUB Coordinator, Winona Health; Katelynn Aufderhar, Community Health Worker, Catholic Charities of Southern MN; Brooke Stueve, Community Health Worker, Family and Children’s Center; Katelyn Fox, Public Health AmeriCorps Member, Winona County Health and Human Services; (back, left to right): Vanessa Southworth, Community Wellbeing Director, Winona Health; Amanda Rodriguez, Community Health Worker, Winona Health. To review Winona Community HUB’s annual report or for more information about the HUB and how to get connected, visit: Winona Community HUB.