As our community continues to grapple with the health, economic, and mental challenges due to the impact of COVID-19, the HCSF Community Connection Program will serve to provide a bridge to access social services and link eligible residents to programs such as Medicad, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, Kidcare, virtual social programs, and Conversation Hialeah, an initiative dedicated to helping people discuss end of life care and preferences. Referrals to other available community services and programs may also be provided.
The HCSF aims to serve residents of the City of Hialeah, particularly, uninsured, low income individuals who more often lack access to health care and other needed social services. By conducting these outreach and education efforts, particularly in areas with high Social Needs Index (SNI) values, which is indicative of poverty, economic status, and the propensity for chronic diseases, the goal is to engage with individuals and families, with a focus on seniors, who are most in need and may be disproportionally affected by COVID-19.
Program Goals
2021
Educate a total of 3,000 residents on Social service programs, including; Medicaid, SNAP, Kidcare, TCA, ACA Marketplace, Conversation Hialeah, and others.
Connect or refer at least 1,000 residents to a needed social service.
Submit at least 500 applications to any social program on behalf of eligible residents.
Linking Hialeah residents to social services is crucial to improve health and quality of life
People living with >1 chronic disease often experience a diminished quality of life, and it is estimated that nearly 2 of every 3 Americans are living with multiple chronic conditions. Additionally, having multiple chronic conditions is associated with substantially increased health care costs. As a community, the ability to address and combat the rising cost of healthcare for older adults, particularly in Medicare dollars, stress and liability for first responders and health care providers, is increasingly important. Research suggest that implementing advance care planning can significantly reduce hospital patient days, patient admissions to the hospital from nursing facilities, and cost of care. By providing advance care planning resources and support, the HCSF Community Connection Program can potentially lead to cost savings of tax dollars and resources due to less unnecessary testing, care and services based on the implementation of one's care wishes during their end of life. Additionally, advance care planning can tremendously ease the stress and burden on the individual's loved ones ensuring that the wishes of the individuals are heard, documented and respected.
Not only does the City of Hialeah have a large population of older adults, it’s residents also face high rates of poverty and lower rates of health insurance compared to the County and the State. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents of Hialeah, especially the older population, are experiencing hardships including social isolation and food insecurity. Improving health outcomes and quality of life begins with providing access to needed services such as SNAP benefits, health insurance, economic assistance and other social programs.As more residents begin to age in place, are faced with declining health, and are experiencing the consequences of COVID-19, the need to link vulnerable residents to social services becomes crucial to improve the health and quality of life of Hialeah residents.