SpringForwardMN 2021

Community Health Works!

All people deserve the same opportunities for health and wellness, but structural racism creates barriers to quality, culturally appropriate care for many. We believe wellness should be shared by all and it is our mission is to advance health equity by implementing community-defined health care solutions that are effective and affordable.

Our community health worker model fosters local, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of health disparities and advance wellness for individuals, families, and communities.  For over 40 years, WellShare has supported hundreds of thousands of socially and politically underrepresented people, with a focus on immigrants and refugees in Minnesota. Approximately 90% of our staff are themselves first or second generation immigrants from Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.  

WellShare has become a ‘go to’ organization for government, clinical systems and third party payer corporations based on our success in helping our people overcome mistrust and barriers in their navigation of health service providing institutions. Demand for our services reached a 40-year high in 2020 as our communities faced the challenges of Covid-19 and we reached over 200,000 immigrants and refugees across the metro area. 

While we have seen a growing need for assistance over the past year, more than that we see the current times as an incredible opportunity for change that will lead to greater health equity.  

COVID-19 Response

WellShare has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response right here in MN since March of this year and is now regarded as a ‘go-to’ partner for the MN State, City of Minneapolis and Ramsey County departments of health. Our Community Health Workers have been the vital link in reaching individuals that may have fallen through the cracks due language and cultural barriers, resulting in fear, confusion and isolation. 

Here's what we've been able to do so far, thanks to supporters like you:

• Helped 23,429 people navigate 24 testing sites
• Produced 102 COVID-19 education materials in 7 languages
• 3 major outlets--TPT, Voice of America, and BBC--featured our resources and hosted interviews with our CHWs
• Produced 10 COVID-19 drama videos in 4 languages

As COVID-19 has increased demand for our services, our already limited general operating budget has been stretched even further. Please help us ensure equitable vaccine distribution  and support us in delivering life-saving services to our community. 

 Find our COVID-19 resources and educational materials on our website.