JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Health Department’s (TCHD) Community Health Outreach Worker (CHOW) program is coming to an end in June, according to TCHD.
TCHD stated that its Health Disparities grant, which funded the program, has been terminated as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ federal budget cuts this spring. The CHOW program supported nearly 300 community members through “Connect with CHOW” events since they launched in 2023, in which bilingual community health workers helped to connect locals with resources (like referrals to employment assistance or help with food insecurity and behavioral health) and to handle things like medical financial aid applications.
“The community and the Health Department will miss the work done by our amazing team of health workers,” TCHD’s announcement reads. “By assisting community members in their native language, the community health workers are able to build a trust and help guide clients through the complicated process of applying for Medicaid, filling out medical financial assistance paperwork, and navigating other local resources.”
Beginning this week, Connect with CHOW events at the library will be held in their usual Monday timeslot of 12:30 to 4 p.m., with the addition of Tuesday sessions from 1 to 4 p.m. in an effort to see more people before the final session on June 10.
“Without our Community Health Worker Team there will be community members falling through the cracks,” TCHD Interim Health Director Rachael Wheeler said in the announcement. “Applying for Medicaid and other services can be complicated. We are working to find a solution to bridge the gap, but at this time the Health Department will not be able to meet the demand for assistance.”
Teton County is supporting the CHOW program until the end of June following the grant cancelation. TCHD notes that its website will be updated with resources available to community members.
