Resourceful online tool bridges gaps in care and social needs

Kristy Gunderson, a registered nurse in Essentia Health's obstetrics and gynecology department in Duluth, sees the value of building strong, trusted relationships.

“Patients feel safe saying things like, ‘I don’t have enough food’ or ‘I’m about to lose my housing,’ ” she said. “That’s when we can really help.”

In these situations, Gunderson uses Resourceful, which connects users to free and reduced-cost social service programs. The online platform is an ongoing effort between Essentia Health and community partners. While Resourceful is accessible for public use, it’s also embedded in Essentia’s electronic medical record, allowing caregivers to support patients outside clinic walls.

Gunderson regularly utilizes Resourceful to connect patients to housing, food or postpartum peer support.

“There are so many community, county, state and federal resources out there. Part of our role is helping patients find the right ones at the right time,” Gunderson said.

That includes referrals to St. Louis County Public Health Nurse Hannah Osborne, who helps pregnant and teen moms “during some of the most vulnerable, transformative seasons of their lives.” Osborne credits Resourceful referrals for ensuring a smooth transfer of care and “the confidence that families are being connected to the support they need,” she said.