Community health workers helping communities
Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Northwestern Oklahoma offer assistance with enrollment for state services and finding resources for food, housing and transportation among other necessities in rural communities. District 1 currently has two CHWs, Anna Cole and Karla Lopez, assisting in Beaver, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward counties.
Based in Woodward and Guymon, Cole and Lopez travel throughout the region to provide assistance, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Cole and Lopez also host events throughout Northwestern Oklahoma covering areas that do not have County Health Departments. With the help of local partnerships, the CHWs set up enrollment events at public libraries, schools, hospitals or city offices.
“We are focused on connecting Oklahomans with services and resources that may improve their quality of life through our Community Health Workers,” said Ashley Ferguson, District 1 County Health Department Regional Administrative Director. “Both Anna and Karla offer a wide range of skill sets that will benefit the clients they assist.”
Ferguson continued, “Having access to various services and/or resources in our part of the state can be challenging at times, so bringing in Community Health Workers fills in that gap between clients and providers. The CHWs are a tremendous asset to our clients and the communities we serve.”
To set up an appointment for assistance contact Anna Cole at the Woodward County Health Department, (580) 256-6416 or Karla Lopez at the
Texas County Health Department in Guymon 580-338-8544. While appointments are not necessary, they are preferred. For more information, Community Health Workers in District 1 can be reached via e-mail at: District1CHW@health. ok.gov.
The District 1 County Health Departments protect and promote health by serving the following counties: Beaver, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Texas, Roger Mills, Woods and Woodward Counties. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health/CHD.