Introducing Community Health Workers to Address Local Needs in Orangeburg, South Carolina

HERE NEWS Introduces Community Health Workers to Address Local Needs

Orangeburg, South Carolina – The Courage Center has been awarded a grant from the Center for Community Health Alignment that will allow the center to hire two community health workers to increase access to care for residents in the cities of Orangeburg, Eutawville, and Vance.

Improving Health Access for Underinsured Communities

These locations were selected due to a high population of underinsured individuals who are at risk for chronic health conditions. The addition of community health workers aims to bridge the gap and provide essential health services to those in need.

The Role of Community Health Workers

Community health workers play a vital role in connecting under-resourced communities with healthcare services. They are representatives of the communities they serve and are well-equipped to identify, serve, and provide access to care for individuals with diverse health conditions. The plan is to hire local workers who are familiar with the challenges faced by small, rural locations.

Services Offered and Outreach Strategy

The Courage Center, a recovery community organization specializing in substance misuse and addiction services, will utilize a mobile unit to conduct pop-up events in all locations. These events will include medical screenings, distribution of harm reduction products like Narcan, resource referrals, and follow-up strategies to ensure continuity of care.

About The Courage Center

Founded in Lexington around eight years ago, The Courage Center focuses on reducing barriers to recovery and provides all services at no cost. Residents of Orangeburg, Eutawville, and Vance can benefit from the comprehensive and accessible services offered by the center.