Submitted by Providence Swedish
We would like to share the remarkable journey and ongoing impact of our South Puget Sound Community Health Workers (CHWs), a team that truly embodies the mission of Providence. Over the past five years, this program has become an invaluable pillar in our community, reflecting our unwavering commitment to health equity, compassion and service.
Originally launched during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of our system’s $50 million investment in health equity, the CHW program was designed to reach those most often left behind. What began as an urgent response has since evolved into a sustained and vital outreach effort.
What is a Community Health Worker?
Community Health Workers are trusted members of the communities they serve who help people navigate the health system and improve their overall well-being. They connect individuals to services and resources, offer informal counseling and support, and help reduce barriers to care such as language, transportation or lack of understanding.
CHWs play a critical role in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the community. Their impact is well-documented:
- Improving access to care: CHWs help people enroll in insurance, schedule appointments, understand referrals and navigate complex systems – leading to earlier and more consistent care.
- Reducing social and economic barriers: They connect individuals to essential resources like food assistance, housing, transportation and childcare.
- Building trust and engagement: As trusted community members, CHWs reach those hesitant to engage with traditional healthcare, improving follow-up and patient satisfaction.
- Advancing health equity: They are especially effective in underserved communities, tailoring support to cultural, linguistic and local needs.
The Team Behind the Mission
Our CHWs, Arin Mower and Laura Hardison, bring not only professional expertise but also powerful lived experience that allows them to truly connect with patients. Arin, who has experienced homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges and now celebrates over 11 years of sobriety, uses empathy and trust to reach individuals often disconnected from care. Laura, who moved to the U.S. without speaking English, is a trusted advocate for immigrant and undocumented patients navigating complex systems.
“My family has been there. That is one of the things that really drew me to this,” said Laura Hardison. “My experience is not speaking English, not knowing where the resources are, having to find someone that spoke my language and interpreting for my parents. I have been able to do all of that in this role and advocate for those people that find the health system very complex.”
Much of this work happens outside clinic walls. Carrying backpacks filled with resources, our CHWs meet patients in parks, libraries, shelters and homes – wherever they feel most comfortable. They address food insecurity, housing instability, transportation barriers and access to medical, mental health and substance use care. Approximately 10 -15% of those served are not Providence patients, reflecting our commitment to the broader community.
Even outside of their work with Providence, our CHWs extend the Mission to all aspects of their lives. “My husband and I started a homeless ministry through our church where we can bring hygiene items to the homeless and go to weekly church services,” said Arin Mower. “It is all about Jesus Christ in my life, everything I do is around Him.”
Our CHWs are modern-day Sisters of Providence – mobile, compassionate and deeply rooted in the community. Their work is indispensable, and we are profoundly grateful to Arin and Laura for their dedication to ensuring no one is left behind.
About Providence Swedish
Providence Swedish in South Puget Sound touches more lives in the 540,000 five-county service area of Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties than any other health care provider.
It is made up of:
- Providence St. Peter Hospital, a 394-bed facility founded in 1887
- Providence Centralia Hospital, a 128-bed facility founded in 1926
- Providence Medical Group in Southwest Washington, including more than 40 clinics with more than 350 primary, specialty care and hospital-based providers
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