Following a peak demand for services in September, Community Health Workers remained in-demand through Illinois last month responding to 4,231 resource requests.
This month represents the first time since the Pandemic Health Navigator Program launched this spring that more resource requests have come from Region Two, which includes Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Moline and Rock Island, Galesburg, and LaSalle-Peru. Still trending is the rate clients requested basic human needs, such as food, income assistance, including programs thwarting evictions and utility disconnections, and safe housing.
Resource requests typically come directly from clients or are referred to PHNP’s participating organizations by local health departments in 92 Illinois counties. Those asked to quarantine due to a positive COVID-19 test or close exposure identified through contact tracing efforts.
Community Health Workers had responded to more than 21,000 requests since March.
PHNP administrators expect to have fulfilled more than 25,000 resource requests by the end of November as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. All Illinois regions are subject to a mask mandate in public indoor spaces. Mask wearing is also encouraged for everyone, including those who have been vaccinated. The Illinois Public Health Association is encouraging anyone eligible for a vaccine to find an appointment nearby by visiting vaccines.gov or contacting a PHNP organization in their community.
Morreale Communications