REACH Partnership
What is the REACH Partnership?
The Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health (REACH) Partnership represents the next iteration of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Project, which was originally designed to improve health outcomes for residents at the highest risk for chronic disease, increase the number of individuals who seek appropriate healthcare services, and create a career pathway for healthcare workers. REACH will continue this work and will expand it to address the systematic barriers preventing positive health outcomes and create a system of care that provides equitable access to all residents in the region. REACH also provides holistic support through the clinical Community Paramedic role and the non-clinical CHWs, who work to address the social determinants of health.
Who We Are
The REACH Partnership is a systems approach to improve community health through data integration, alignment of resources, and coordinated communication. The name change from CHW Program is to REACH is intentional. This is no longer just a CHW project, but a strategic effort to bring disparate and siloed providers together, creating a system of care that drives positive population health outcomes at a reduced cost, improving the quality of life of everyone.
A Community Health Worker (CHW) or Community Paramedic (CP) is a trusted member of the community who serves as a link between healthcare, social services, and community members.
Community Health Workers and Community Paramedics increase clients' access to services and participate in improving their health management.
Health management is improved by: community, education, informal counseling, social support, outreach, and advocacy.
We do not provide medical coverage, clinical advice, or replace your need to follow up with your doctor.
The REACH Partnership includes:
- The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
- Piedmont Access to Health Services, Inc. (PATHS)
Gateway Health- Sovah Health Danville
- Compassion Health Care, Inc.
- Danville Life Saving Crew
- Caswell County EMS
- Danville Pittsylvania Community Services
- Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority
How it Works
- Gateway Health, PATHS, and Compassion Health Care, Inc. will continue to employ Community Health Workers. The CHWs will be placed in different neighborhoods and communities, at the newly established school-based clinics (with Danville Public Schools and Pittsylvania County Public Schools), and at DPCS.
- Care Coordinators will help refer citizens and engage them in the REACH system. One is placed at Sovah and another at DPCS to address the need for expanded mental health connections.
- Community Paramedics provide needed clinical supports. They will be housed at Danville Life Saving Crew, and Caswell County EMS.
Participation with CHW or CP support is completely free. There is no charge to you!
If you would like CHW or CP support, click here to complete the form.
To learn more about the REACH Partnership contact:
Cassandra Shelton
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Contact Email: cassandra.shelton@ialr.org
Contact Phone: 434-766-6634
