Winona County residents have access to personalized, community-based support through the Winona Community HUB Navigators, who help individuals connect with health and social services when they need them most. However, many residents don’t realize this free navigation support is available locally.
HUB Navigators work with people across Winona County experiencing a wide range of challenges, including housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, mental and physical health needs, and difficulty navigating social service systems.
Rather than requiring individuals to navigate services on their own, HUB Navigators provide one-on-one support in a non-judgmental setting and help connect residents with appropriate resources and programs.
“We focus on meeting people where they are and helping remove barriers that can make it difficult to access care and support,” said Manager of Live Well Winona, Kelsey Martin, LICSW, LADC. “That might look different for every person, but the goal is always the same—helping connect individuals with the right resources at the right time.”
Comprehensive Support Services HUB Navigators assist residents with connections to a wide range of services, including:
- Primary care and health system connections
- Mental health and substance use support
- Medication and care coordination
- Dental care access
- Health insurance enrollment and MNsure navigation
- Food assistance programs
- Housing and shelter resources
- Transportation support for appointments
- Employment and adult education services
- Energy and utility assistance
- Legal and translation resource connections
- Childcare assistance navigation
All HUB Navigators are certified MNsure Navigators and can assist individuals in understanding and enrolling in Minnesota health insurance programs such as Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.
Who Can Benefit Residents may benefit from HUB services if they are experiencing:
- Housing or food insecurity
- Health insurance challenges
- Frequent emergency department use
- Mental health concerns or need for ongoing support
- Difficulty accessing or coordinating community resources
How to Access Support Services are available by phone, in-office, or through community or home visits when appropriate. Call 507.457.7731 to connect with a HUB Navigator or learn more at www.winonahealth.org/hub. For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or needing immediate support, call or text 988.