Care Connect WA and SWACH

If you have COVID-19, you need to stay at home to keep from spreading the illness. But for many households, the need to stay at home can make a bad situation worse. The COVID-19 pandemic means households are experiencing more hardships related to finances, childcare, healthcare, and increased everyday life stressors. These stressors are compounded when families are asked to self-quarantine or isolate due to exposure or a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.

To support community members during this critical time, Washington State Department of Health has partnered with several organizations state-wide, including SWACH HealthConnect to participate in the CareConnect WA program. CareConnect WA offers emergency support to folks most affected by the pandemic. Program participants receive food, necessities, and up to $1,500 worth of household bills paid. CareConnect WA services begin after a person receives a positive COVID-19 test. A Community Health Worker (CHW) contacts the participant and offers them services to allow them to safely stay in quarantine and isolation., and then supports the participant throughout their quarantine and isolation period while connecting them to food, necessities, and financial assistance. Qualifying household assistance bills are typically paid in less than three weeks, while the grocery and necessity items are usually delivered within 24 hours. Since program launch, regional CHW’s have supported over 440 households - this represents over 1300 individuals, including 300 children. Households have received over $80,000 worth of groceries, and more than $220,000 to support mortgage, rent, and utility bills.

The CareConnect WA program is supported by the Culturally Appropriate Response and Engagement Cohort (CARE Cohort). The CHW’s work at local agencies operating near the participant. These CHW’s are a diverse group of people coming from all walks of life. This allows them to connect with multiple demographics, which is critical for reaching the most vulnerable members of our community.

Southwest Washington CareConnect WA CARE Cohort Partnering Agencies:

• Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH)
• Clark-Cowlitz Fire and Rescue (CCFR)
• Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP)
• Share Vancouver (Share)
• Sea Mar Community Health Center (Sea Mar)
• Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW)
• YWCA Clark County

We are thankful for the willingness of our community partners to participate in the Care Connect WA program, and who have helped make it such a success during an incredibly challenging time.