CHWs – Advancing Health Initiatives at Brookings Health System

As a healthcare professional in South Dakota, if you have not already heard of a Community Health Worker (CHW), you will soon. One of the first CHW programs in South Dakota launched at Brookings Health System earlier this year. “We saw the role of the CHW to work with our population of patients who have recurring needs, particularly related to the social determinants of health, and help with care coordination beyond the hospital walls,” said Emily Delbridge, Quality Director. 

Alyssa Olson was hired as the first CHW to initially help develop the program and then manage the program and see patients. Olson, a Brookings native, has a bachelor’s degree in community and public health and is a Certified CHW in South Dakota. According to Delbridge, it was quickly apparent how important the CHW was going to be in bridging gaps for patients. “Alyssa is a valuable member of the healthcare team at Brookings Health System. She has gained the trust and respect of her peers as well as the patients she serves,” she said. 

Since the program launched in March of 2022, many success stories have begun to pour in, including a patient diagnosed with diabetes that was unmanaged. Through building a trusting relationship with the patient, Olson provided social support and encouragement, health education, and coaching on health lifestyle changes. The patient has now met with a diabetes educator, is set up with a continuous glucose monitoring system, and has seen a decrease in their A1C from 12.2% to 9.8% in just a month’s time, as well as other health improvements. 

“It is fulfilling to see my patients make progress and improve their quality of life through our CHW program. I love celebrating small victories with patients and watching them meet their goals using techniques and skills I have taught them,” said Olson.

South Dakota is relatively new to developing a formal CHW workforce but is experiencing rapid growth. Prior to 2022, many similar positions were established across South Dakota, including tribal Community Health Representative (CHR) programs, but no statewide workforce had been developed.

“My advice to others looking to start a CHW program is to utilize the resources available through the State of South Dakota as well as network with other CHW programs,” said Delbridge.

More information about CHWs, Medicaid reimbursement, and the developing workforce can be found by accessing www.chwsd.org.