The developing Case Management Program at Covenant Community Care gave one patient the opportunity to drastically improve her health alongside a supportive team of nurses and fellow patients. Three months ago, Maria Lewis wasn’t sure where to turn as her physical health declined following a severe ankle injury. Having been a long-time member of Covenant Community Care, Inc. in Detroit, Maria reached out to see what resources were available to get her levels of activity back on track. Thankfully, the clinic had recently developed an organized walking group. The exercise group was one new component available to patients involved in the clinic’s new Case Management Program. Fighting an injury and other potential health risks, Maria was a good candidate for the program. Before joining, Maria had concerns a language barrier would impact her ability to participate. Instead, she instantly connected with Ester Gallegos, community health worker at Covenant Community Care and fellow member of the Latino community. Maria soon began to join the group in weekly walks through Clark Park with five fellow members of the Case Management Program. In the weeks that followed, Laura Demers, RN, nurse care manager at Covenant Community Care, witnessed a profound change in Maria’s attitude and health. “She quickly became one of the most consistent members,” Laura shared. “Now, she’s one of the people who encourages others in the program to join her in getting active and heading outside for weekly walks.”
Laura took her role at Covenant Community Care because she wanted to engage with patients most in need. More than 240,000 individuals in Wayne County are uninsured. Covenant Community Care is a faith-based, charitable, non-profit community health center serving the people of metro Detroit. As a federally-qualified health center, it offers integrated medical, dental and behavioral health care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The team at Covenant Community Care is dedicated to meeting the primary health care needs of individuals and families. Covenant Community Care was recently awarded a $96,250 grant to expand access to behavioral health services among the low-income, uninsured and underinsured in Metro Detroit. The funding was provided through a unique partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, Ethel and James Flinn Foundation and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. This new grant funding will allow the clinic to expand its patient Care Management Program, provide patients with remote treatment and individualized care plans for those with chronic diseases and behavioral health issues. Today, you will find Maria in significantly better health. Since becoming involved in the Case Management Program, she walks on a regular basis and has inspired others, including her husband, to join the local, community recreational center so he can get active too. A recent grant will help fund the care that is extended to patients like Maria who are a part of the Case Management Program at Covenant. “As this program expands, so will the care we can provide to our patients,” shared Laura. “It’s a great way for patients to meet their health goals and form closer relationships with their care physicians at Covenant.” This post is part of a storytelling series we call, “Beyond the Card.” These stories will feature Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members, employees, and communities who are making meaningful differences throughout our state. We invite you to follow Beyond the Card stories here at MIBluesPerspectives.comand through the hashtag, #BeyondtheCard on our social channels. If you have a story you would like to share, please feel free to contact us at stories@bcbsm.com. Photo Credit: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
