At a press conference in Aurora Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the official launch of a program to help connect people struggling during the coronavirus pandemic with resources, with the hope it will also reach vulnerable populations who might be hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Pandemic Health Navigator program is a network of local health departments, community-based organizations and public health partners designed to help people get resources from food delivery to vaccinations to financial assistance, officials said. It is already in operation across the state outside of Cook County and also aims to increase vaccine access to low-income, vulnerable communities.
The program has already helped residents with 1,270 requests for resources during its soft launch earlier this year, according to officials. Several people spoke at a news conference at VNA Health in Aurora on Monday to share stories of those who have used the program, such as a family isolating after exposure to COVID-19 getting food delivered since they can’t go to the grocery store.
“Any resident impacted by COVID can reach out to a community health worker for assistance, regardless of whether they tested positive (for the virus),” said Tracey Smith, director of Programs and Community Health for the Illinois Public Health Association. “The (health workers) will discuss individual needs with each resident and determine how best to assist and which resources to provide.”
For more information and to connect to a local community health worker, go to helpguidethrive.com
The program is administered through the Illinois Public Health Association, the Illinois Primary Health Care Association and OSF Healthcare System.
“There are cases were people need items as simple – but we know as critical – as a disinfectant for their homes because they are isolated and can’t get out,” Linda Lawson, a supervisor for Fifth Street Renaissance in Springfield, said.
A key component of the program is educating residents about the virus and the vaccine, with Pritzker noting the supply of vaccine is starting to exceed the demand.
“Making vaccines available is only half of the battle here,” Pritzker said. “A year into this battle, many of our residents still might be unsure of the risks of COVID or wondering if the vaccine is really worth it.”
Pritzker said the program focuses on one-on-one connections with established, trusted members of the community, such as a health facility, LGBTQ center or a church.
About 57% of Illinois residents have received at least their first dose of the vaccine and 37% are fully vaccinated as of Monday, officials said. But a recent survey of 800 Illinois residents shows that about 22% are still hesitant to get the vaccine. The survey also said one in five residents said they were not able or unsure of their ability to tell the difference between scientific facts and misinformation on the internet.
Elisa Lara, a health care community nurse for VNA Health, said resources have already been given to Kane County through the new program and shared the story of one family which was isolated and struggling with a language barrier. After using the network, they were given food and other items, allowing them to focus on recovering from COVID-19.
The program is also helping residents receive vaccinations at home if they are unable to travel.
The Illinois Department of Public Health granted $60 million to fund the resources for the program. To date, 65 community-based organizations and 23 federally qualified health centers are participating.
Workers will also help with contact tracing as needed.