Community Advisory Council Meeting Held on June 26, 2026

The Better Health Pathways HUB’s Community Advisory Council convened on Friday, June 26 with representatives from local nonprofit, healthcare, and social service agencies. The Council offers critical insight into the needs of Cuyahoga County residents and helps strengthen the Pathways HUB network. The meeting focused on partner feedback for a new HUB initiative testing CHW‑led outreach and care coordination to close lead screening and testing gaps with a Medicaid managed care plan.

PJ Kimmel, Project Consultant, shared updates on the Lead Safe Screening & Testing Program and the design of the upcoming pilot. Sara Doran of Partnership for Good Health, Kimberly Webb of University Hospitals, and Jennifer Conti of MetroHealth highlighted best practices from their work supporting families through lead poisoning prevention, emphasizing trust‑building, culturally responsive communication, and hands‑on education.

Council members engaged in a thoughtful discussion about how to strengthen CHW outreach and support families more effectively. Several themes emerged:

• Meeting families where they are – acknowledging housing challenges and tailoring outreach to each family’s reality.

• Clear, consistent communication – including simple scripts, multiple communication methods, and recognition of tools like WhatsApp for certain communities.

• Family‑centered incentives – such as gift cards for completed testing and practical support, like cleaning kits.

• Strengthening access to services – including transportation assistance, nutrition education, and visual demonstrations of lead hazards.

• Standardized CHW guidance – like decision support tools, to ensure consistent, high‑quality outreach across agencies.
  

Members also emphasized the importance of improving connections to transportation and nutrition services, expanding education materials, and ensuring CHWs have the tools they need to support families navigating complex systems.

The Better Health Pathways HUB is grateful for the thoughtful engagement of its partners and looks forward to incorporating this community‑driven guidance into the next phase of work.