What’s Up WhatsApp: Building an Information Pathway for Spanish Speakers in Franklin County
Neybe’s passion has always been helping people—but in 2023, she knew she could do more.
Neybe is a Community Health Worker (CHW) with Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS) who discovered she could use the power an app to get essential services to those who need them most.
It all started when Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) received funding in 2021 from the Community Health Workers for Covid Response and Resilient Communities grant (CCR 2109) to address health disparities, educate communities about COVID-19 and boost vaccine rates. The grant funding supports communitywide efforts to connect Franklin County residents with Community Health Workers (CHWs).
As a part of the grant, FCPH contracted with four other local organizations to hire four Community Health Workers (CHWs) that provide culturally responsive services in Franklin County. One of those organizations was ETSS, who hired Neybe as their CHW in December of 2020. ETSS is a community-based organization that has helped new arrivals from more than 80 countries establish roots and gain self-sufficiency in Central Ohio with programs and services.
Neybe from ETSS
Neybe moved to Franklin County and originally started as a Crisis Counselor with ETSS. When a Community Health Worker position became available, Neybe felt that applying for the position was a natural next step in assisting her community members and would allow her to have a wider reach in providing resources to those in need.
