Family Health Centers
- Project Title: Family Health Centers
- Program Representative Interviewed: Tawn Thompson, Director of Programs and Resources
- Location: Okanogan, Washington
- Program Overview: Family Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Okanogan, Washington, uses community health workers (CHWs) to provide wraparound services for their primary care patients. CHWs complete a 10-week, state-provided training course on the social determinants of health. CHWs are given opportunities to attend additional trainings, as they arise. Currently, two CHWs are embedded in two clinics, focusing on digital navigation. This effort, funded through a pilot project with the state of Washington, enables the CHWs to help patients navigate telehealth visits, access the patient portal, and use the pharmacy website. At these clinics, CHWs also distribute devices such as phones, tablets, and blood pressure monitors to those who need them most. CHWs are active in the community, attending events with local organizations, which positions them to better connect patients with available community resources that best fit their needs.