Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital realizes mental health issues, childhood and adult abuse, and substance use can negatively affect us, preventing us from living our best life. This can change, and we want to help.
The Community Connect program was developed to link our patients to community resources and programs for a healthier future, both physically and mentally. There are many community services available, but many people don’t know where to turn for help. That’s where Community Connect comes in. After a service need is identified by a patient or staff member, the Community Connect “Patient Navigator” (Julie Hardy) helps link the patient to the community resource best able to meet their needs (with the patient’s permission, of course!). The patient navigator remains in contact until the patient and service are connected, and keeps the health care provider informed, too.
We hope to all work together as a team – the patient, medical staff, patient navigator, therapist and community – to have a healthier, happier Schoolcraft County.
Our goal is to improve health outcomes of those we serve by increasing access to high-quality, person-centered, mental health and substance use disorder assistance programs. These programs will be trauma-informed, intergenerational, integrated medical services, along with a comprehensive staff training component.
We believe we must approach the intergenerational cycle of trauma, mental health crises, and substance abuse by addressing these issues during childhood to have a positive impact on future generations. For our adult and senior populations that are living with the effects of untreated mental health disorders, unaddressed trauma, and substance use behaviors, our goal is to support and provide needed services to help seniors attain optimal health and wellbeing. Recovery is lifelong and requires support.
The Patient Navigator (PN) position was created to help the person and family navigate the cumbersome healthcare and substance use systems. Julie Hardy, Patient Navigator for the Community Connect Program, holds a Masters Degree in Counseling with over 6 years experience in the social work field. She is now available to work with patients who could benefit from resources in our community and surrounding areas.
The Patient Navigator will focus on coordination of care, services, and community resources to promote the overall health of children and adults. If any mental health, substance use, or additional referral needs are found during a RHC/ER visit, the person can be seen by the Patient Navigator who will help the person navigate the complex systems currently in place at many organizations. Appropriate referrals and appointments will be made at that time. Patient Navigator services will be free of charge and a referral from a provider will not be required. Patients can also self-refer. We believe the Patient Navigator is essential to the success of this program.
For more information please contact:
Julie Hardy, Patient Navigator
906-341-3200 ext 3341
jhardy@scmh.org
906-341-3200 
