Bringing Community and Health Together with “Together for West Philadelphia”
In a recent interview, Katrina Pratt Roebuck, Founder and CEO of Uplifme, spoke with Risa Waldoks, the Executive Director of Together for West Philadelphia, about the impactful work her organization is doing to improve health outcomes in West Philadelphia.
About Together for West Philadelphia
Together for West Philadelphia is a nonprofit organization founded in 2018 with the mission of improving equitable health outcomes for residents of West Philadelphia. The organization brings together healthcare systems, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and public and private stakeholders to collaborate on health initiatives. By coordinating efforts, Together for West Philadelphia aims to create a more cohesive and effective approach to addressing health disparities in the community.
What Makes Together for West Philadelphia Unique?
The core of Together for West Philadelphia’s work is its “Trusted Venue Network.” This network consists of community sites such as churches, schools, and community centers where residents already feel comfortable and regularly turn to for support. By leveraging these trusted community spaces, the organization ensures a broad and meaningful reach to residents throughout West Philadelphia. The network serves as a hub for resources and information, helping to streamline services and make them more accessible.
Current Initiatives: The West Philadelphia Health Access Coalition
One of the key projects Together for West Philadelphia is currently working on is the West Philadelphia Health Access Coalition. This initiative is designed to improve access to primary care, specialty healthcare, and health insurance for local residents. Through this coalition, individuals identified by trusted community sites can receive direct connections to healthcare partners like Penn Medicine, Mainline Health, and Spectrum Health, a federally qualified health center.
The coalition plans to employ community health workers and access specialists who will be stationed at these healthcare partners to provide personalized assistance. These roles are essential as they offer a VIP-like connection to healthcare services, ensuring that community members receive the support they need. The initiative is set to launch within the next year, marking a significant step forward in healthcare access for West Philadelphia.
Accessing Services and Getting Involved
West Philadelphians can access services through the Trusted Venue Network, where ambassadors from within the community will promote and connect residents to healthcare resources. The organization also uses social media, their website, and various networks to spread the word about available services.
Public Awareness and Future Growth
Together for West Philadelphia has grown significantly since its inception. The organization has done extensive strategic planning and internal strengthening to position itself for future success. They are committed to their core values and are focused on expanding their reach and impact.
One area they want to highlight more is the role of community health workers. These individuals are vital as they act as liaisons between healthcare systems and the community, helping residents navigate complex healthcare environments. Risa emphasized the importance of this growing field and encouraged residents interested in becoming community health workers to explore training programs.
Expanding the Trusted Venue Network
Currently, the Trusted Venue Network consists of about ten sites, primarily churches, that have been identified as key community hubs. Together for West Philadelphia is looking to expand this network to include a broader range of community sites, such as community development corporations and recreation centers, to reach even more residents. The goal is to engage places that share the organization’s core values and have a wide reach within the community.
How to Support Together for West Philadelphia
There are several ways to support Together for West Philadelphia:
- Volunteering and Donations: Individuals can volunteer or donate to help build the organization’s capacity and support its initiatives. Donations are crucial for expanding staff and resources.
- Becoming a Trusted Venue: Organizations interested in becoming part of the Trusted Venue Network can reach out via the organization’s website or email to express interest and learn more about the requirements and benefits.
- Networking and Advocacy: Together for West Philadelphia is always looking to connect with like-minded organizations and individuals who are passionate about improving health outcomes. They encourage people to make introductions and help spread the word about their work.
Conclusion
Together for West Philadelphia is making a significant impact by bringing together various stakeholders to improve health outcomes in the community. Through initiatives like the West Philadelphia Health Access Coalition and the Trusted Venue Network, they are creating a more coordinated and effective approach to healthcare in West Philadelphia. By focusing on collaboration and leveraging trusted community spaces, they are ensuring that residents have better access to the health services they need.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit togetherforwestphiladelphia.org. Thank you, Risa Waldoks, for sharing your insights and the impactful work of Together for West Philadelphia!
