Community Health Worker Program
At Heartland Community Health Center, we know that quality healthcare goes beyond just a doctor’s visit. Our dedicated community health workers (CHWs) are here to support you and your family. We understand that your health is influenced by various factors like where you live, work, learn, and play. These factors, known as social drivers of health, can impact your overall well-being.
Our community health workers are committed to helping you overcome any barriers to better health. Whether you need assistance finding stable housing, enrolling in educational programs, or accessing nutritious food, we are here for you. We connect you with valuable resources and provide the support you need to improve your quality of life.
By addressing these broader issues, we ensure that you receive the best care possible. Heartland’s community health workers are dedicated to helping you and your family thrive, creating a healthier and stronger community for everyone.
CHW Services with Heartland Community Health Center
Heartland’s Community Health Workers work to understand your life experiences to meet your unique needs while:
- Identifying gaps in care and connecting you and your family to services at Heartland and in the community.
- Connecting you with social services such as transportation and housing resources
- Coordinating early childhood developmental programs and ensuring that each family member has access to health-related services.
- Supporting you in maintaining preventative care, health screenings, and vaccinations.
- Assisting you with lifestyle change programs and providing informal counseling and coaching.
- Collaborating with you to create an action plan to improve your self-sufficiency, well-being, and quality of life.
- Helping you access the services needed to increase stability, resiliency, and improved health outcomes.
Our goal is to make sure you have everything you need to live a healthy, fulfilling life. At Heartland Community Health Center, we are here to support you every step of the way.
For more information: call Heartland Community Health Center at (785) 841-7297
Early Childhood CHWs with Heartland and Panda Pediatrics
Our Early Childhood Community Health Workers at Panda Pediatrics are dedicated to ensuring your child’s health and development. We provide a range of services to support families in Douglas County, focusing on education, advocacy, and practical assistance. Our goal is to help you navigate the complexities of early childhood care so that your child can thrive.
Early Childhood Community Health Workers at Panda Pediatrics provide:
- Education about developmental milestones and positive parenting techniques
- Support for families in practicing healthy living, providing resources such as summer learning programs
- Advocacy for your children
- Help with scheduling your child for well child health exams, dental, and behavioral health services
- Assistance overcoming any barriers to your child’s care
Call Panda Pediatrics at (785) 842-4477
Heartland Community Health Workers
Jenn Kessler, CHW-C
Community Health Worker Program Manager
785.841.7297 ext. 5603
Karen Lewis, CHW
Care Cupboard Coordinator
785.841.7297 ext. 5605
Anna Bishop
Insurance Enrollment Community Health Worker
785.841.7297
Joshua Gapetz
Community Health Worker
785.841.7297
Andrea Morris
Insurance Enrollment Specialist
785.841.7297
Amanda Worley, CHW
Community Health Worker Insurance Enrollment
785.841.7297
Early Childhood CHWs at Panda Pediatrics
Shawna Davis, CHW-C
(She/Her) Community Health Worker - Early Childhood Program
785.842.4477
Shelly Bart, CHW-C
(she/her) Community Health Worker - Early childhood program
785.842.4477 ext. 5779
News & Information from Heartland
Open Enrollment Is Coming: Know Your Health Insurance Options
What you need to know: Now is your opportunity to secure the health insurance coverage you need, make changes to your existing plan, or explore new affordable options.
Medical Interpreters Help Connect Spanish-Speaking Families to Care
“We want to promote the services our clinic offers while also building a stronger sense of community with our patients,” Laura said. “At Heartland, patients can receive not only high-quality medical care, but also support in a welcoming environment where, regardless of their background or circumstances, they can feel safe, cared for and connected to our city and the resources our community provides.”
Community Baby Shower Brings Free Resources to Douglas County Parents
The “It Takes a Village” Baby Shower is designed to help parents prepare for a new baby while connecting families already raising young children with additional resources
Understanding Changes to Patient Portal Access for Teens
Heartland Community Health Center and Panda Pediatrics are updating how parents and guardians access the patient portals of children ages 13–17.
Measles Detected in Local Wastewater: What You Need to Know
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health has announced that measles virus has been detected in wastewater serving the Lawrence area. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of measles in Douglas County, but the finding suggests the virus may be circulating in the community and serves as an important reminder to stay informed and prepared
They’re Here: Spring Allergies and How to Spot, Prevent, and Treat them
Spring allergy season has started in Kansas, and for many families, it looks a lot like a lingering cold. So how do you tell the difference, and what can you actually do about it?