Community Health Workers Making a Difference in Montana
Mark Nay, a community health worker in Helena, Montana, recently shared a success story about his first client who was struggling with homelessness, substance use, and medical conditions. With Nay’s help, the client was able to apply for Medicaid, access food assistance, obtain identification documents, and secure housing assistance. Through a year of steady engagement, Nay was able to connect his client to essential services, leading to stable housing, health insurance, and improved overall well-being.
Nay is part of a program at St. Peter’s Health in Helena that focuses on individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness and who have had multiple emergency room visits. Alongside his colleague, Colette Murley, they work to link clients to services that address basic needs such as healthcare, food, housing, and insurance. The ultimate goal is to provide stability and enhance health outcomes for their clients.
In recognition of the valuable work done by community health workers like Nay and Murley, State Rep. Ed Buttrey has introduced a bill in Montana’s legislative session to establish a common title – community health worker – for this type of role. The bill aims to define the responsibilities of community health workers in law, provide for licensure, and potentially allow Medicaid to cover their services.
The need for a standardized title and definition for community health workers is part of a broader effort to address workforce shortages and improve access to healthcare in Montana. With more than a quarter of the state’s residents living in areas with a shortage of primary care health professionals, initiatives like licensure compacts for healthcare providers and expanding the scope of practice for certain professions are also being considered.
While some healthcare workforce bills have garnered support, there are concerns about potential budget cuts at the federal level that could impact Medicaid funding. State Sen. Carl Glimm has expressed apprehension about adding new services covered by Medicaid due to the potential financial implications for the state.
However, proponents of community health workers argue that their role is essential in addressing the social determinants of health and improving health outcomes for individuals with complex needs. By assisting clients in accessing necessary resources and support services, community health workers play a crucial role in addressing barriers to healthcare access and promoting overall well-being.
Training programs for community health workers have been established at Montana State University and the University of Montana, equipping individuals with the skills to address the medical and social factors influencing health. These programs have trained hundreds of individuals to connect clients with appropriate community resources and address the root causes of health conditions.
Community health workers like Nay and Murley are uniquely positioned to understand and address the barriers preventing individuals from achieving optimal health. By providing support, advocacy, and education, these frontline public health workers are making a significant impact on the health and well-being of Montana residents.
