APPLETON, Wis. (Feb. 4, 2026) — Families across the Fox Valley region are gaining new pathways to health care thanks to a $400,000 investment from Medica, a mission-driven, member-focused non-profit health plan in Wisconsin.
This initiative builds Partnership Community Health Center’s (PCHC) commitment to recognizing that health outcomes are shaped by more than medical care — they depend on access to social and economic opportunities, safe environments and culturally relevant support. The funding helps strengthen community-based support that reduces language and cultural barriers and connects individuals and families to vital resources such as basic needs assistance, mental health services and primary care.
Through this program, PCHC is addressing systemic barriers and creating a roadmap for access to care in the Fox Valley.
“The role of the community health worker, who represents those they serve, is to come in and make that connection — with individuals, families and with the community to ensure their needs are met,” said Patricia Sarvela, chief development officer at Partnership Community Health Center in Appleton. “These relationships change lives — they help people feel seen, supported and cared for.”
Community health workers are trained in health literacy, trauma resiliency and anti-stigma education, ensuring that care is delivered within cultural context and free of bias. They connect families to resources like primary health care, basic needs, financial literacy programs and even community wellness initiatives like diabetes support groups and school-based mental health programs.
Grassroots partnerships are central to this effort. Organizations such as the Multicultural Coalition Inc., NEW HMong and People of Progression bring the voices of HMong, Latino and Black communities to the center of this work. These partners lead culturally specific outreach, organize mental health forums and design education campaigns that resonate with their communities.
“Medica’s mission is to improve lives through care and compassion,” said Josh Gustafson, Medica Wisconsin Market president. “We invested in this program because it meets people where they are — providing culturally responsive support and addressing barriers so families can receive the care they need.”
