Today’s blog is written by Samantha Campbell, Community Engagement Coordinator, Spartanburg’s Way to Wellville

In the Summer of 2018, Spartanburg’s Way to Wellville launched a collaborative specifically targeting Community Health Workers in Spartanburg. A community health worker is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has a close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

The idea to launch a collaborative targeting community health workers spawned from dialogue had during the 2018 Way to Wellville Annual Retreat in Muskegon, Michigan. Central to that conversation was one question: would there be value in creating a platform for community health worker’s (formally & informally titled), to come together to learn, share, and connect? Based on feedback and attendance at the monthly meetings, the answer is a resounding YES!

Participants are learning about the work of their peers and through that process are building strong relationships of trust and admiration. As they share common themes and barriers, attendees are also beginning to explore innovative opportunities to work together. Wellville is excited to continue the collaborative in 2019, and welcomes new attendees. The meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 10a.m. at Mary Black Foundation. Those with questions can reach out to Samantha Campbell, Wellville Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator, at soverton@spartanburgwellville.com

Spartanburg’s Way to Wellville also recently launched a new website! For more information about the neighborhood engagement initiative as well as other initiatives of Spartanburg’s Way to Wellville, visit spartanburgwellville.com.