Families across the Fox Valley region are gaining new pathways to health care thanks to a $400,000 investment from Medica, a mission-driven, member-focused non-profit health plan in Wisconsin.
This initiative builds Partnership Community Health Center’s (PCHC) commitment to recognizing that health outcomes are shaped by more than medical care — they depend on access to social and economic opportunities, safe environments and culturally relevant support. The funding helps strengthen community-based support that reduces language and cultural barriers and connects individuals and families to vital resources such as basic needs assistance, mental health services and primary care.
Through this program, PCHC is addressing systemic barriers and creating a roadmap for access to care in the Fox Valley.
“The role of the community health worker, who represents those they serve, is to come in and make that connection — with individuals, families and with the community to ensure their needs are met,” said Patricia Sarvela, chief development officer at Partnership Community Health Center in Appleton. “These relationships change lives — they help people feel seen, supported and cared for.”
Community health workers are trained in health literacy, trauma resiliency and anti-stigma education, ensuring that care is delivered within cultural context and free of bias. They connect families to resources like primary health care, basic needs, financial literacy programs and even community wellness initiatives like diabetes support groups and school-based mental health programs.
Grassroots partnerships are central to this effort. Organizations such as the Multicultural Coalition Inc., NEW HMong and People of Progression bring the voices of HMong, Latino and Black communities to the center of this work. These partners lead culturally specific outreach, organize mental health forums and design education campaigns that resonate with their communities.
“Medica’s mission is to improve lives through care and compassion,” said Josh Gustafson, Medica Wisconsin Market president. “We invested in this program because it meets people where they are — providing culturally responsive support and addressing barriers so families can receive the care they need.”
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About Medica
Medica (www.medica.com) is a mission-driven, member-focused non-profit health plan headquartered in Minnesota. The company serves communities in the heart of America by providing health care coverage and related services in the employer, individual, Medicaid and Medicare markets. It operates in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Medica’s mission to better your life with care in the moments that matter is a testament to member-focused commitment to high quality, affordable health care.
About Partnership Community Health Center:
Partnership Community Health Center (PCHC) provides our primary medical, dental and integrated behavioral health care as well as health insurance enrollment to individuals and families in Northeast Wisconsin. PCHC has been providing care to this community for over 30 years with a mission to “Make a difference in the lives of people and create a healthy community.” To learn more about PCHC, visit partnershipchc.org.
About Multicultural Coalition, Inc.
Multicultural Coalition, Inc. (MCI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was developed in October 2020 with the vision to improve the lives of all by creating a community that prospers together. Multicultural Coalition, Inc.’s mission is to elevate all communities through responsive and innovative actions to create and build a movement of positive and sustainable change, together. MCI’s vision is to create sustainable communities that prosper together through a collective vision. For more information, visit ourmci.org and Multicultural Coalition, Inc. on Facebook.
About NEW HMong
NEW HMong (Northeast Wisconsin HMong Professionals) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Appleton, Wisconsin. It is committed to elevating and empowering the HMong community in Northeast Wisconsin with its passion and expertise. Founded in 2019, NEW HMong aims to provide a culturally inclusive place where HMong people can network, mentor and lead together in spaces that create engagement, empowerment and elevate the HMong community. To learn more about NEW HMong, visit newhmongwi.org.