It starts with me!
Community Health Program

The Urban League recognizes there are many services, initiatives, and organizations doing good work, but they are not reaching many of the people who need them. “It starts with me!” is the missing connector; making it easier for individuals and their families to access the services they need to live healthier, happier, lifestyles.

“It starts with me!” Community Health Program began its inaugural year in 2016. Since its start, a team of Community Health Navigators have worked directly with residents, addressing their unique needs to improve health behaviors and reduce health disparities.

During that time, the program has moved individuals off the street and into shelter, assisted families affected by domestic violence, secured food and clothing for clients in need, guided individuals to doctors and dentists, helped individuals into gainful employment, and so much more.

To take advantage of this FREE program or for more information, contact the Louisville Urban League at (502) 585-4622 or [email protected]

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Community Health Navigators

To facilitate this program, the Louisville Urban League depends on Community Health Navigators (CHNs), also known as community health workers.

A Community Health Navigator is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

A Community Health Navigator also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy (American Public Health Association, 2017).

Community Health Navigators must pass a criminal background check and complete a comprehensive training.

How it Works

“It starts with me!” has three basic phases that define the program’s approach. After the 90-day program, participants will complete a final survey and be discharged from the program.

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ASSESSMENT

Navigators conduct a needs-based assessment that allows individuals to identify their top areas of need. It is important that participants tell us where to start.

CONNECT

Once needs are identified, the CHN will research and recommend resources/services for the participant to plug-in to. Recommendations are tailored to fit each participant’s situation.

WITH YOU ALL THE WAY

The role of CHNs is to walk with participants through the process. This may include making calls, attending appointments, making home visits and more. For 90 days, Navigators will spend intentional time, working with participants around their top three needs–following up on opportunities, researching solutions, and designing a plan for success moving forward.

Your Needs Met

We want to help you and your family live your best life by connecting to resources in the following areas:

  • Health Education
  • Feeling Disconnected from Family or Community
  • Race Related Stress
  • Housing Stability
  • Physical Activity
  • Tobacco, Alcohol and other Substances
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Unemployment
  • Exposure to Violence or Abuse
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Financial Resource Strain
  • Chronic Health Conditions (Diabetes, COPD, Heart Disease, etc.)

Enroll now!

For information on the “It starts with me!” Community Health Program, please call (502) 585-4622 or email us [email protected].

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