Community Outreach Saves the Day

Jefferson Health is committed to delivering equitable access to medical services for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, insurance, zip code, income, gender, or language. That goal is getting support from a $466,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging.

The grant will provide outreach assistance for those seeking to enroll in initiatives through NJSave, an online application site that lets low-income older adults and persons with disabilities apply for programs to save money on Medicare and Medicaid premiums, prescription costs, utilities, and other living expenses.

The NJSave application allows the New Jersey Department of Human Services—which administers a wide range of state and federal direct assistance programs—to screen and enroll applicants in multiple programs. For those without computer access, paper applications for NJSave are still available.

By sending senior care navigator teams throughout Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties, Jefferson hopes to reach a wider population and help them get the much-needed services offered through the DHS.

“We are dedicated to addressing the needs of underserved populations throughout South Jersey,” says Aaron Chang, president of the Jefferson Health East Region. “Our outreach team is committed and experienced in delivering excellent service. This grant will allow us to expand and enhance the way we care for our community.”

Jefferson’s Community Outreach Team consists of healthcare workers and social workers who attend hundreds of community events per year, sharing health resources with diverse populations through the community with educational presentations, pop-up vaccine clinics, mobile health screenings, and follow up calls and care.

“We’re thrilled to receive this award to help make NJ a more equitable place,” says Cindy Hou, DO, MA, MBA, Infection Control Officer, and Medical Director of Research at Jefferson Health locations in New Jersey, who is leading the initiative.

The senior care navigators program will leverage existing relationships with community-based organizations throughout the tri-county area, including senior housing communities and senior centers, behavioral health services, and faith-based organizations. The goal is to enroll at least 2,000 eligible individuals in NJSave.

Outreach teams members, some of whom are multi-lingual, will provide educational workshops, enrollment events, help in obtaining documents and accessing and filling out the application, and following up as needed. Six outreach events per month are planned.

Learn more about the NJSave program and outreach events.