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Community Healthways Connects Families to Local Resources

By Courtney J., Macaroni KID Acadia-St. Landry Publisher August 7, 2024

Did you know there is a community program that helps connect local families with the resources they need? 

Community Health Ways in Louisiana serves to help improve quality of life by addressing health-related social needs for families, including food insecurity, housing, transportation, utility assistance, education, mental health connections, and chronic condition education.

There are Community Health Ways (CHWs) in over 60 Parish Health Units across the state. Each Parish Health Unit offers a unique set of resources and services available at no cost to families. These resources are crafted by locals for locals to provide personal connections to your community. 

How Does the Process Work

Community HealthWays starts with a Community Health Worker who is a trusted member with a close understanding of the community served. The CHW assists individuals in addressing social problems that lead to poor health by connecting them with resources that can assist in paying for 

  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Job search
  • Utility payments
  • Groceries
  • Counseling
  • Furthering education
  • Mental health concerns

You can meet with a Community Health Worker through your local Parish Health Unit to discuss concerns or issues you may be experiencing. CHW will follow up with you to open a case and assess your needs to connect with you with the right resources that can help.