Primary Care Offers Community Support Navigation

A new government-funded service is now available in Vermilion through the Kalyna Country Primary Care Network, offering support to individuals who may be struggling to navigate healthcare and community resources on their own.

The Community Support Navigation program, which launched in January, is designed to help individuals experiencing barriers accessing services related to their physical, mental, psychosocial, and social health. The position is currently held by Lisa Rochford, who brings more than 13 years of experience working in the medical field.

Rochford’s background includes work as a Health Care Aid, End-of-Life Doula, Grief Recovery Specialist, and Willow End-of-Life Educator. Over the years, she has also completed numerous professional and educational training programs focused on patient support, grief recovery, and community care.

Available in Vermilion on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Rochford works directly with individuals to help them better understand and access the services they need.

“My role is to walk alongside patients as they navigate the healthcare system, helping them access resources, understand their care, and feel more supported in what can often feel overwhelming,” said Rochford. “My work focuses on addressing both practical barriers and social determinants of health, including financial strain, limited supports, system navigation challenges, and access to services.”

The Community Support Navigation program offers assistance in a variety of ways, including helping individuals manage referrals, schedule and monitor appointments, coordinate transportation to healthcare visits, and communicate information with healthcare providers. Support can also include connecting individuals to addiction and mental health services, grief support, legal resources, and other community-based programs.

In addition to helping coordinate care, Rochford also provides support with self-management by offering written and verbal education, encouraging individuals to follow healthcare plans, and assisting clients in setting goals through motivational interviewing techniques.

Many of the individuals accessing the program are facing more than just medical concerns.

“Many of the patients I work with are not just managing health conditions, they’re also experiencing major life transitions or changes in independence, emotional overwhelm impacting their ability to follow care plans, and social or financial barriers affecting overall wellbeing,” Rochford explained.

Part of her role is helping create a safe and supportive environment where those conversations can take place while also assisting with practical next steps.

“I can help create space for those conversations, while also supporting practical needs such as connecting to appropriate services, preparing for appointments and improving follow-through, and building confidence in managing their care,” she said.

The program also focuses on helping individuals strengthen social connections by linking them with social and financial supports, providing culturally safe care, and advocating for translation services when needed.

Rochford said the overall goal of the program is to ensure individuals feel supported throughout their healthcare and life journey.

“My objective is to collaborate with patients and their healthcare team to ensure individuals feel acknowledged, supported, and never isolated,” she said. “By addressing needs beyond clinical care, I strive to bridge gaps and reduce the demands on healthcare providers, fostering a comprehensive and coordinated approach to patient wellbeing.”

Individuals interested in accessing the service can self-refer through the Kalyna Country Primary Care Network at 780-581-1730.