April 26, 2021

Illinois Pandemic Health Navigator Program Launch

VNA Health Care was delighted to welcome Governor J.B. Pritzker and representatives from the Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) and the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) to our Health Center at Indian Avenue in Aurora for the launch of the State’s COVID-19 Pandemic Health Navigator Program.

This program integrates local health departments and public health partners to coordinate access to critical services and resources to reach the most vulnerable populations. Available resources include meals, medicine, mobility support, immigration matters, work and income resources, mental health support, support for unsafe living conditions (e.g. domestic abuse), etc., which are available during isolation and quarantine.

VNA Health Care continues to provide COVID-19 services including vaccinations and testing throughout its service area within health center, community and home settings in Kane, DuPage and Will counties. VNA Community Health Workers make sure that all residents equitably receive the health education, outreach, and resources they need to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic.

IPHCA and IPHA conducted a survey of more than 800 Illinois residents. The survey found that 20% of those who responded to the survey indicated that they were not confident in their ability to determine the difference between fact or fiction on the internet. 71% percent said that they were open to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. 57% said that they would be open to working with a Community Health Worker.

“Healthcare providers have been on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 from day one,” said Linnea Windel, President and CEO of VNA Health Care. “The Pandemic Health Navigator Program will provide us with additional tools, resources and Community Health Workers to support our fight against this virus and help our patients and larger community get through this together.”

Read the Pandemic Health Navigator Program Survey Findings Report: https://ipha.com/content/uploads/PHN_Report_FINAL_04.26.21%201.pdf