Rena George and Alex Gutierrez of Bridges to Health are located in the County Health Department

Health Department Partners with Bridges to Health

In just five years, Bridges to Health has become a valuable resource that works with multiple partners to improve access to services and resources related to health. Two Bridges to Health Community Health Workers are currently located in the Hood River County Health Department, one of many healthcare partners.

Bridges to Health, a program of the Columbia Gorge Health Council (CGHC), strives to improve community health by supporting underserved community members and various programs. Formed in 2016, CGHC launched Bridges to Health in 2017 to help community members access resources inside and outside the healthcare system. Bridges to Health places Community Health Workers (CHWs) at local non-profits, government agencies or local hospitals in Hood River and Wasco counties.

“There are many social determinants of health,” says Rena George, one of the two County Health Dept. CHWs. “Being housed and feeling safe are big ones, as well as feeling connected. We try to connect people with existing resources that could help them.”

The organization initially helped only houseless individuals but has expanded to help people facing other challenges or barriers. A person qualifies if they are struggling to access resources on their own with two or more needs. Often, referrals are made by medical partners, or other social services organizations like DHS, Helping Hands, housing agencies (MCCAC, MCHA) and local schools. Those seeking services may also self-enroll. To learn more about Bridges to Health or to access referral forms, please visit the Bridges to Health webpage. 

Alex Gutierrez is the other CHW at the Health Dept., one of three males of Bridges to Health’s 16 CHWs. CHWs help those in isolation pick up groceries, food boxes, deliver medications or other important health needs. In some cases, they’ve been able to assist medically fragile clients obtain an air-conditioner.

Bridges to Health partners very closely with the Health Department and all the programs it includes. Connecting people with resources has prevented numerous people in the region from losing their housing for various reasons. “There are programs out there to assist people who have trouble paying for property taxes, utilities, rent or mortgages,” Rena said. “We’re able to connect people with the proper resources once we figure out what they qualify for.”

Suzanne Cross has been Senior Program Manager for Bridges to Health at the Columbia Gorge Health Council since its inception. She explains Bridges to Health as a cross-sector partnership approach to community care coordination. “Community Health Workers help translate people to people. They help people understand how to navigate complicated systems and they help systems understand how to better serve the individuals they work with,” Suzanne explained. “The ability to do things together, across agencies, takes time, but it’s worth it when we feel a client is better served and the outcome for our clients is better.”

“Covid put a high focus on unmet needs,” Rena said. “We have flexibility and a capable staff with many collaborative relationships.” Referral forms are online at: cghealthcouncil.org/bridges-to-health.