Social Care
The MercyOne Community Health and Well-being Social Care program helps patients experiencing barriers to healthy food, transportation, childcare and affordable medications access these essential resources. Our Social Care Program includes Community Health Workers (CHWs) who serve as liaisons between health care providers and community service providers.
CHWs are located within a variety of MercyOne primary care locations and MercyOne Emergency Departments across Iowa. CHWs spend time with patients to assess their social needs and risk factors to create connections with the appropriate services within the community.
CHWs frequently help patients with:
- Behavioral health (such as peer support, substance use treatment and mental health)
- Benefit enrollment support (unemployment, Medicaid and SNAP)
- Diabetes Prevention Program
- Utilities and other financial assistance
- Food assistance
- Primary care for the uninsured/and or Medicaid population
- Low/no cost medications or medication delivery for those unable to leave their home
- Housing resources and program applications
- Social isolation
- Tobacco cessation
- Transportation assistance
For additional free or reduced-cost health and social resources visit our Community Resource Directory.
