Allen County Health Disparity Coalition
The coalition is a vital part of our local service community. Former HealthVisions director Renetta Williams founded the group in 2003, as the result of HealthVisions’ partnership with the Indiana Minority Health Coalition. Today, more than 80 members and affiliates connect through the coalition, which meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Our partners represent health care and government agencies, social service organizations, and local advocates. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has met virtually. Selected presenters share information. Participants ask questions and network. For information about membership, contact our office.
Health Education Sessions
*All courses are facilitated by trained Community Health Workers and may be offered in English or Spanish.
Hour-long Presentations
Hour-long Presentations HealthVisions Midwest specializes in health education workshops and classes that help residents manage or prevent chronic conditions, which disproportionately affect people of color. Sessions lasting 45 minutes to an hour are available for the following topics:
- Diabetes
- Obesity/Nutrition
- Mental Health: Anxiety, Depression
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP)
The Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP) is a six-session course designed to reduce complications related to diabetes and diabetes mortality. People who have diabetes will gain tools to manage the disease, increase their health potential, and the gain the support of others battling similar issues.
Bienvenido
Bienvenido is a prevention intervention program that increases access to mental health services, improves mental health and quality of life for Latino immigrants. It provides a caring and supportive environment where individuals can achieve their full potential, give and receive respect, develop personal responsibility and self-determination. The program strives to: 1) reduce alcohol and drug use, 2) improve access to mental health services, and 3) encourage a sense of belonging and participation in the community.
Latino Outreach Program
Interpretation & Translation
HealthVisions provides outreach to residents in the Latino community, including providing health education to Spanish-speaking residents. (See class options above.) Also, we provide interpretation and translation for medical appointments and other practical situations where residents need assistance to navigate life in a predominantly English-speaking society. This may include help scheduling a COVID-19 test, online school registrations for children, and other needs. HealthVisions also provides ongoing interpretation for patients at Clinica Madre de Dios, 2120 S. Harrison Street in Fort Wayne.
Nutrition Education and Access Program (NEAP)
HealthVisions offers three types of incentives for participants who enroll in NEAP, which consists of ongoing health education sessions. People who participate in two or more sessions are eligible for the following:
Grocery store gift cards: These cards help participants afford the healthy foods discussed during education sessions.
Food vouchers: These vouchers for 25-pound or 50-pound food packages at Community Harvest Food Bank help supplement residents’ food supply.
Transportation: HealthVisions provides transportation services for Allen County residents to go to local grocery stores and to medical appointments when scheduled at least one week in advance.
Certified Community Health Worker Training
Community Health Worker (CHW) training prepares dedicated individuals to serve as constituent/community advocates with health organizations and/or social services systems. HealthVisions provides a 45-hour classroom curriculum that focuses on roles, skills and competencies of a successful Community Health Worker.
Staff HealthVisions Midwest of Fort Wayne
Angel Metro
Director
Peggy Hayes
Senior Community Health Worker and CHW Trainer
Maria “Lupita” Valdes
Latino Community Health Worker
Cassius Stallings
Wellness Coordinator
Nia Hinton
Healthy Child Advocate