Beginning last summer, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has partnered with Novant Health to host hubs at several branches of the library. Each hub has a dedicated on-site community health worker who is there 1-2 times per work to assist with connections to health and social services. The hubs also host visits from the mobile units of Novant Health to provide health screenings and immunizations to under- or uninsured children. They also host a monthly education and speaker series on a variety of topics such as diabetes and mental health.
These responses were shared by Martha Yesowitch, Community Partnerships Manager at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
1. Where did the idea for this partnership come from?
The idea came from two directions really. First from an awareness of the healthcare access disparities that came to light during the COVID19 pandemic and second from involving Novant in the Library Foundation’s capital campaign. Novant was interested in a cash donation but also in making a tangible contribution to the communities that the library serves.
2. What kind of feedback have you received on this partnership?
A lot of positive feedback from the community.
3. How has having health care workers in the library benefited your patrons and your staff?
It allows staff to feel confident in referring customers to the community health workers rather than looking for health-related information on their own. It’s also very helpful to be able to offer health screenings and immunizations from the mobile medical units in communities where folks are statistically less likely to have a primary care physician.
4. Do you have any future plans for this partnership?
Right now, Novant has a presence in two Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations. We are adding a third this fall and two additional hubs over the next year.