Salem Health announced two Community Investment Grants — each totaling $30,000. The grants were awarded to Mano a Mano Family Center and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency’s (MWVCAA) HOME Youth Services. Both organizations help connect vulnerable populations with a range of services needed to maintain good health.
At Mano a Mano, a new community health worker will help low-income families that identify as Latinx or Hispanic find primary care providers. Health education workshops empower the families to make everyday decisions that support health. Peer-led community meetings improve resilience by building positive social connections in a culturally appropriate way. Critically, COVID-19 related resources and information are prioritized in these meetings, helping access-testing and supporting contact tracers when a client is infected.
At HOME Youth Services, a new youth navigator will help underage youth experiencing homelessness connect to services needed (school, medical, dental, counseling, substance abuse, etc.) to achieve some stability as they enter Taylor’s House, an emergency shelter for unaccompanied minor youth. Staff training improves the behavioral health services provided to these youth.