Community health worker connects McLean County residents with resources
August 24–28 marks the fourth annual National Community Health Worker Awareness Week.
For many local residents, getting help with health care involves more than seeing a doctor. Transportation, food, housing, prescription costs, and other challenges can affect a person’s ability to stay healthy.
That is where community health worker Victoria Robinson works to bridge the gap.
She has served as a Community Health Worker (CHW) at CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison Clinic since January 2024.
Based at the clinic, Robinson serves residents in Garrison, Turtle Lake and Washburn, helping patients navigate resources and address what are known as social determinants of health.
“As a CHW, I am an advocate for the patient,” she said. “I try to meet the social determinants of health.”
Those needs can include food insecurity, employment, housing, financial concerns, and personal safety.
Robinson also assists with prescription assistance, transportation to medical appointments and applications for Medicaid, Medicare, and disability programs.
Robinson works closely with organizations throughout McLean County, including the McLean Family Resource Center, Garrison Thrift Store and food pantry, Great Plains Food Bank and other community programs.