Applause for Essentia’s Community Health Workers

It was a banner year for Essentia Health's Community Health Worker (CHW) program.

The Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) named Paul Sweere, of the Essentia Health St. Mary’s–Detroit Lakes Clinic, Community Health Worker of the Year. On top of that, Essentia expanded its CHWs to serve in Moorhead, Virginia, Duluth, Fargo and Superior.

“Community health workers play a vital role in advocating for patients, reducing health disparities and ensuring more people receive the care and support they need to thrive,” said Emily Kuenstler, Essentia community health director. “By expanding this program, Essentia is strengthening local partnerships and advancing efforts to address social determinants of health."