Integrated Peer Models for Health

The Integrated Peer Models for Health Program - Project Summary

The Integrated Peer Models for Health Program takes a comprehensive approach to training, capacity building and organizational development to equip Community Health Workers and Peer Support Workers in the North Philadelphia Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ), zip-codes 19120 to 19125, 19130 to 19134, 19138, 19140, 19141, and 19144, to work effectively with populations facing multiple barriers to health and wellbeing, including environmental and mental health/substance abuse issues, social determinants of health, and chronic disease. The project is funded by the Wolf Administration, through the Department of Human Services. 

Key  Activities:

• Develop and convene learning collaboratives for Community Health Workers (CHW), other Peer Support Workers (PSW) and their supervisors that offer opportunities for cross-training in physical and behavioral health topics, peer support, and networking

• Implement FindHelp, a cloud-based technology platform for comprehensive social service referrals. The platform will help CHWs, PSWs, and other professionals make effective referrals to community resources

• Expand access to the CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in the HEZ 

• Implement a 5-month pilot model in partnership with Spectrum Health Center. The pilot consists  of a CHW working with individuals identified as at high-risk for poor health outcomes and experiencing complex physical and behavioral health comorbidities 

Through this coordinated and multi-layer approach, HFP and its partners will offer much needed support and expertise to the CHW and PSW workforce, establish peer learning communities, develop core infrastructure, and pilot innovative programmatic approaches leading to a substantial, sustainable impact in the Health Enterprise Zone.

Utilize our FindHelp tool! 

For Patients: https://connect4health.org/

For Partners and Providers: https://hfp-partners.org/

Funding for this work has been provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and supports initiatives like IPMH in utilizing community health workers and peer support workers to bridge the gaps between patients and providers.