At Integrated Healthcare System (IHCS), growth isn’t just about expanding programs—it’s about investing in people and empowering care. Every milestone in our journey toward better community health begins with a stronger, more knowledgeable staff.
This month, IHCS celebrates two of our dedicated staff members, Wendell Jackson and Eilleen Hennie, who successfully completed the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services (PBCMSS) Community Health Worker Care Coordination Training and earned their Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification.
Their achievement reflects IHCS’s ongoing commitment to empowering care—empowering our staff to learn, lead, and grow alongside the people we serve. It also demonstrates how continuous training helps strengthen the quality of care we deliver every day, ensuring that communities receive support from professionals who truly understand their needs.
What the Certification Means
The PBCMSS Institute for Learning designed its CHW Care Coordination Training to equip professionals with the tools, framework, and empathy required to serve as care coordinators in a range of community settings.
Through 30 hours of classroom and lab training, participants gain practical knowledge about:
- Managing chronic health conditions
- Promoting patient-centered care and cultural competency
- Improving lifestyle habits and preventive health
- Practicing motivational interviewing and effective communication
- Understanding advocacy, community resources, and patients’ rights
Graduates are prepared to serve as trusted liaisons between the healthcare system and the community—enhancing access to care, improving outcomes, and fostering deeper patient engagement. The program also helps CHWs better address social determinants of health, allowing them to guide clients with compassion and confidence as they navigate complex barriers.
As licensed and certified by the Florida Certification Board, the program ensures that care coordinators like Wendell and Eilleen are fully equipped to meet the highest standards of care delivery.
Building Empowering Care from Within
At IHCS, we believe that when our people grow, our impact grows with them.
Investing in staff education is part of our holistic approach to care. Every certification, training, or continuing education effort helps strengthen the foundation of our integrated care model—where primary healthcare, behavioral health, and housing services work together to support patients across every stage of their journey. These investments also reinforce our long-term vision of building a workforce that is adaptable, future-ready, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.
This milestone doesn’t just mark personal achievement—it strengthens IHCS’s capacity to deliver high-quality, culturally competent care to underserved populations throughout Palm Beach County.
The Role of Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in healthcare systems nationwide. They are often the bridge between patients and providers, helping individuals navigate complex health and social systems.
CHWs help people manage chronic conditions, connect with local resources, and understand their care plans—reducing hospital readmissions, improving treatment adherence, and making healthcare more personal and accessible. Their presence in the community builds trust and creates a safe space for individuals who may otherwise feel overwhelmed or disconnected from traditional healthcare systems.
By training our own team members through programs like the PBCMSS Institute for Learning, IHCS continues to invest in care that is compassionate, coordinated, and community-driven.
Growing Together, Serving Better
IHCS is proud of Wendell and Eilleen for their dedication to professional growth and their passion for serving others. Their success represents what IHCS stands for: continuous learning, collaborative care, and hope in action.
As we continue to expand our programs and reach more individuals in need, our goal remains the same—to ensure every member of our team is equipped to provide the best care possible to every client and patient.
Together, we’re not just improving healthcare—we’re redefining what it means to care.
