What is Community Health & Wellbeing?
Community Health and Wellbeing (CHWB) works to evaluate and respond to critical needs in our community. These services include the operation of our community health centers, medical education, subsidized care, early detection and prevention programs, screenings, health fairs and more. The group includes a dedicated team of community health workers who support community residents and patients in accessing social care supports, school nurses and athletic trainers who support children’s health in collaboration with our school districts and parochial schools, and diabetes prevention and smoking cessation programming. Our health and wellness offerings span all ages.
This department leads the health system’s community health needs assessment and response strategies across our service area. Conducted every three years, the research evaluates, through a survey, the overall health status of the greater Michiana region, identifies the most pressing health-related needs and prioritizes services relating to such needs. Our 2021 community health needs assessment identified a few key areas of concern from community participants:
- Access to mental healthcare
- Improve nutrition and eating habits
- Access to wellness resources (fresh foods, nutrition classes, gyms, etc.)
- Access/affordability of medication
- Increase participation in physical activities and exercise programs
After conducting the CHNA based on community feedback, we are now working on an implementation plan to help meet these needs and address these concerns. We continue to work to be a compassionate and transforming healing presence in the communities we serve. Learn more >>
The Foundation of Saint Joseph Health System underwrites community health and wellbeing initiatives. Donate directly to the Foundation here.
Increasing health care access to the under-served
Community voices inform the CHNA process, which in turn informs where SJHS commits community outreach resources, especially those who are poor and underserved. The assessment provides an opportunity to design an implementation plan and share our efforts toward improved health and quality of life, while building upon the foundation of our existing efforts to improve the health of our community and the populations we serve.
For example, to improve access to wellness resources and to improve nutrition and eating habits, SJHS plans to increase access to fresh produce and other healthy food options for families through healthy corner store and pantry workshops, beginning in St. Joseph County. These steps will reduce reported food insecurity in underserved communities through various initiatives which work to educate recipients about the value of consuming healthy food.
Sugar ‘N Spice Camp
Sugar 'N Spice, a free day camp, supports the emotional and physical well-being of underserved female youth. Sponsored by SJHS in partnership with Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, the week-long camp is for girls aged seven to 14 years old, with a recruitment emphasis on low-income and/or minority girls within St. Joseph County. Guest speakers cover various topics including but not limited to self-esteem, empowerment, body image, financial health, relationships, exercise and healthy eating. The week’s highlight is a field trip focused on fun, physical activity and togetherness. The camp week ends with a celebration for the girls and their parents, showcasing pictures of girls in action and their accomplishments. Typically, the camp starts during the second week of July. Since 2015, over 200 girls have participated in this camp.
Secret Sisters Society support for breast cancer nurse navigator program
Our specialized breast cancer nurse navigator program at Saint Joseph Health System’s Paqui and Brian Kelly Comprehensive Breast Center is designed to support women in their cancer journey-touching on mental health, physical activity and relevant wellness supports. Our navigators acknowledge the emotional challenges breast biopsies and/or breast cancer diagnosis and treatment present to patients and their families. This service is not funded under most insurance plans and is currently subsidized by funds raised from our Secret Sisters Society fundraising event. Learn more