Peoria, Ill. – OSF HealthCare has launched a Pandemic Health Worker Program (PHWP) that will serve individuals with COVID-19 symptoms.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has designed the system to protect the well-being of the general public during the COVID pandemic.
Pandemic Health Workers (PHWs) would digitally connect with referred clients who are experiencing COVID symptoms, allowing the person with questionable symptoms to stay home or quarantine to protect themselves and others.
“The PHW program is an extension of OSF Healthcare System’s role in providing compassion and competence in a healthcare crisis,” said John Vozenilek, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Innovation and Digital Health for OSF HealthCare.
“Equipped with technology, PHWs will visit care recipients on a daily basis, deliver kits that include essential tools to monitor their health, and follow-up over a 14-day period to ensure no further assistance is needed.”
A person is eligible for the PHWP if he or she would be showing COVID-19 symptoms, or is at high risk for contracting the virus, but does not require emergency or inpatient care, and that too would be digitally monitored at home.
Contact the COVID-19 Nurse Hotline (833-OSF-KNOW) for additional information.
