As the Crozer Health system shuts its doors, a new community program is stepping in to help fill the gap for thousands of Chester residents and displaced healthcare workers.
Keystone First’s new Health Navigator initiative will send trained ambassadors throughout the city of Chester and surrounding areas in Delaware County to connect people with essential services — including healthcare, job resources, and other support.
The ambassadors, who received training Friday morning, will work from Keystone’s mobile health unit, which will rotate between key community sites, including near the former Crozer-Chester Medical Center property and Taylor Hospital.
Joanne McFall with Keystone First said they are working with several organizations in Delaware County to implement this initiative.
“Some days we’re going to be parked near the Crozer-Chester medical center property, sometimes Taylor hospital, and then some other sites in the local community so that we’ll be able to help people walking up,” said McFall.
McFall said these ambassadors are critical to the more than 14,000 people they serve in the City of Chester, who are losing these healthcare services.
“Individuals have significant health issues related to congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These are people who need to critically stay connected to health care,” said McFall.
They’re also reaching out a helping hand to the thousands of employees who were laid off.
“Helping a nurse who hasn’t had to look for a job in 25 years write a new resume or help identify training needs for individuals who might need to sharpen up their skills in some area,” she said.
Luis Lugo, a representative with Keystone First, called the Crozer closure a “shock” and “tragedy” for the region.
“We as an organization are doing the best we can to try and help those in need of transitioning from doctors, transitioning from hospital care, and all other things that fall under that healthcare system,” he said.
The ambassador program is operating in the community and aims to provide direct, on-the-ground support during what McFall called a healthcare crisis.