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What is community health?The term "community health" refers to the overall well-being of a population, and includes a variety of factors, including social determinants of health and health disparities. Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as liaisons between community members and health or social services, and improve patient health literacy. Community health services combine health and wellness resources and provide health education opportunities.
Community Health at RCHWOur community care team is made up of diverse and compassionate individuals to provide person-centered care and support every step of the way.
Our team includes:
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Our Community Health Services
We offer a variety of services and assist patients in navigating their health needs. We provide specific services on site, and can provide resources for additional services based on a patient's needs.
We offer a variety of services that help navigate health and wellness needs. We provide specific services on site, and can provide resources for additional services based on your needs.
Community Health Services at RCHW
Case Management
Case management is a partnership where a support person helps you reach your own goals. They work with you to organize different parts of your life, like finding resources or planning for the future. You are always the boss of your own journey, and your choices are respected.
Health Navigation Services
Health navigation is a service that helps you find your way through a confusing healthcare system. A navigator helps remove roadblocks, like hard paperwork or lack of transportation, so you can get the care you deserve. They make sure you don't have to face complicated systems all by yourself.
Patient Advocacy
Patient advocacy means having someone in your corner to make sure your voice is heard by your care team. Your advocate helps protect your rights and ensures that your identity and feelings are always respected. They empower you to ask questions and say "no" or "stop" whenever you need to.
Basic Health Screenings
A health screening is a simple wellness check to see how your body is doing in a safe, private space. The person helping you will explain every step and ask for your permission before they touch you or do a test. These checks are done without judgment to help you stay healthy and feel comfortable. You may use these screenings to report to your primary care provider, or use them for your own knowledge. All screenings are optional, and are meant to help you focus on your wellbeing.
Sexual Health & Wellness:
Harm-Reduction Supplies & Resources:
Health Education:
Community Health Services at RCHW
Case Management
Case management is a partnership where a support person helps you reach your own goals. They work with you to organize different parts of your life, like finding resources or planning for the future. You are always the boss of your own journey, and your choices are respected.
Health Navigation Services
Health navigation is a service that helps you find your way through a confusing healthcare system. A navigator helps remove roadblocks, like hard paperwork or lack of transportation, so you can get the care you deserve. They make sure you don't have to face complicated systems all by yourself.
Patient Advocacy
Patient advocacy means having someone in your corner to make sure your voice is heard by your care team. Your advocate helps protect your rights and ensures that your identity and feelings are always respected. They empower you to ask questions and say "no" or "stop" whenever you need to.
Basic Health Screenings
A health screening is a simple wellness check to see how your body is doing in a safe, private space. The person helping you will explain every step and ask for your permission before they touch you or do a test. These checks are done without judgment to help you stay healthy and feel comfortable. You may use these screenings to report to your primary care provider, or use them for your own knowledge. All screenings are optional, and are meant to help you focus on your wellbeing.
- Blood Pressure Checks: A soft cuff is placed and inflated on your arm to see how hard your heart is working. The cuff needs to squeeze tightly to get an accurate reading, and we will make sure you are comfortable during the process. We will ask which arm you prefer and explain the numbers to you without judgment.
- Blood Sugar (Glucose) Testing: This is a quick "finger stick" to check your energy levels from food. We will ask for your consent before the poke and explain why the test is helpful for your wellness.
- Heart Rate and Oxygen Levels: A small clip is placed on your finger to see how much oxygen is in your blood and how fast your heart is beating. It is a painless way to check your basic vital signs.
- Height and Weight: These are sometimes checked to help with medicine dosing, or to track health and wellness goals (for weight gain goals or weight loss goals). In an affirming space, you can always choose to step on the scale backward or skip this step entirely if it makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Mental Health "Check-ins": This is a short list of questions about how you have been feeling lately. It is a safe way to talk about stress, sadness, or anxiety so the team can offer you the right kind of support, or connect you with additional resources.
Sexual Health & Wellness:
- HIV/STI Testing, Treatment & Prevention Education
- Sexual Health Education & Resources
- FREE Sexual Health Supplies (condoms, lubricants, Plan B, oral contraceptives)
Harm-Reduction Supplies & Resources:
- FREE Narcan Training & Distribution
- Fentanyl Test Strips
- Smoking Cessation Support
- Community Resource Information
- Peer Support Services
Health Education:
- Sexual Health Education & Resources
- Health & Wellness Coaching
- Health Advocacy Support & Coaching
At RCHW, we believe your comfort and safety are just as important as your care. We work as partners in your health. Here is what you can expect during every visit:
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1. You Are in Control: You have the right to lead your own care. We will always ask for your permission before we touch you, take a measurement, or start a test. If you ever feel uncomfortable, you can say "stop" or "take a break" at any time. |
3. A Judgment-Free Space: We welcome and celebrate all identities. Whether we are discussing your history, your body, or your goals, you will be treated with dignity and respect. Your life story is safe with us. |
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2. Clear and Honest Talk: Healthcare can be confusing, but we are here to make it simple. We will explain every step of a screening or test before it happens. We use plain language so you can make the best choices for your body. |
4. A Team That Listens: We don't just look at numbers; we listen to your voice. If you have concerns about your energy, your mood, or your daily life, we want to hear them. We are here to support the "whole you," not just a symptom. |
