Community Health Navigator

The EWPCN Community Health Navigators offer support to patients to help them achieve their health care goals, navigate the health system, connect to community resources, and provide culturally appropriate support and information. 

Who We Are

Community Health Navigators support patients with chronic health conditions that have difficulty navigating the health care system.

  • A CHN is a partner in delivering patient centred care by addressing non-medical barriers to health.
  • CHN’s ensure patients can access the care, resources and support they need for better health outcomes.

What We Do

Community Health Navigators:

  • Help patients manage referrals
  • Schedule and monitor appointments
  • Coordinates transportation to/from health care appointments
  • Communicates information to health care providers
  • Uses motivational interviewing and goal setting
  • Connects patients with resources
  • Provides culturally safe support and advocates for use of translation servcies
  • Provides education (written and verbal)
  • Supports patients in following health care plans

Common Reasons for a Referral by your Primary Care Provider

  • Patients that are struggling to independently manage their own health  
  • Non-medical barriers are preventing patients from accessing their health care needs 

Who is Eligible

  • Patients who are 18 years or older
  • Patients who are attached to an EWPCN Primary Care Provider 
  • Patients who live within Edmonton city limits or surrounding municipalities
  • Patients who have at least two or more unmanaged chronic health conditions, such as: 
    • Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, asthma, liver disease, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, anxiety and/or depression

The CHN Program is not an urgent service, and patients can anticipate a wait time between referral and program participation time.