Over the past two years, community-based and public health organizations have faced unique challenges. Addressing social determinants of health during a global pandemic is a difficult task. New and unexpected barriers are regularly preventing people from accessing whole-person care.

These topics were often the focus of the 2021 Learning Symposium in November. Held annually, this event provides an opportunity for the nine ACH organizations across Washington state to meet and collaborate on the issues affecting their communities.

The event lasted four days and featured many meaningful sessions. Guest speakers from community-based organizations across the state presented on the work they have been doing. It provided a chance for SWACH employees to learn from thought-leaders who are working on related projects.

The different sessions covered a variety of relevant topics, including:

• COVID-19 impacts and lessons learned
• Community voices
• Addressing social determinants of health
• Population focus: youth
• Tribal partnerships with ACHs
• Advancing integrated care in Washington
• Medicaid waiver renewal and the future of ACHs

SWACH was fortunate to have two colleagues speak on panels during the event. Daryn Nelson Soza from SeaMar Community Health presented on the social determinants of health. Leslie Naramore from Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) discussed the importance of community voices. They both highlighted the role that SWACH plays in supporting our local community-based workforce and how effective collaboration can be.

During her panel, Naramore shared a story that reflects how some individuals have gone above and beyond for others during COVID-19. Samantha Dommer is a Community Health Worker who works for WAGAP. While supporting individuals during the pandemic, Dommer has seen her fair share of ups and downs. Her relationship with a local client who was diagnosed with COVID-19 shows how dedicated a community-based workforce can be, and makes some of those challenges worthwhile.

A client she was assisting had some unique needs that required Dommer to go above and beyond the typical level of service. While providing grocery and essential items deliveries, the client encountered a difficult situation. “This client uses a walker, [and] I had to make sure she was able to get everything in the house properly,” said Dommer. “I moved a table the client had on the porch and set the groceries there. I also made sure the bags were not too heavy for her to lift. This might seem like a small gesture, but to her, it was a big deal.”

Dommer put in the extra work to see that her client’s needs were met. And her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. After recovering from COVID-19, the client calls Dommer each Friday to check on her. For Dommer, this is why she does what she does.

The 2021 Learning Symposium was full of remarkable stories like the one Leslie Naramore shared. It goes to show that even in difficult situations, a community-based workforce can provide the support that individuals need. We are proud to work closely with organizations like SeaMar and WAGAP. SWACH appreciates everything that community health workers do to meet the needs of our community members.

To learn more about the 2021 Learning Symposium, visit the Washington ACH website.