H2N – Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network
Bridging the communication gap to provide health information to at-risk communities
The Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network (H2N) collaborates with public health organizations, health systems, resource agencies, and community organizations to provide Hmong and Hispanic communities with resources and tools to improve health outcomes and better withstand the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since May of 2020, H2N clinics and outreach efforts have provided over 1,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, over 500 doses of flu vaccines, and thousands with COVID-19 resources in their own language. Community members are also encouraged to share their concerns and ideas, which allows H2N to better understand and serve these communities.
H2N utilizes Community Coordinators (CC) and a network of Community Health Workers (CHW) to deliver messaging about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, to reinforce the risks and long-term effects associated with COVID-19 infections, to educate about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, to build routineness around being immunized, and to help community members access COVID-19 vaccine.
Contact H2N
General Email: h2n.chw@gmail.comHmong Team Phone: 715-204-9250Hmong coordinators: Toufue Xiong Hispanic Team Phone: 715-204-9396
Hispanic coordinators: Francisco Guerrero
H2N Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/h2n.chw
Office Hours: Monday – 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday – 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hmong American Center
1109 N 6th St, Wausau, WI 54403
Back in March when COVID started, there was a realization that everybody needs to be reached with public health information, health system information, resources, and not all populations were being reached the same.
Dr. Corina Norrbom
WIPPS Health Policy Fellow in an interview with WSAW-TV
H2N representatives act as a reliable source of information and resources for community members. Community coordinators and community health workers stay up to date on new information, resources, protocols, regulations and guidelines concerning COVID-19 and vaccinations. These resources are then provided to community members in their own language.
Community members are reached in several ways including visits to farms, community events, Hispanic and Hmong grocery stores, churches, and food distribution events.
In addition to COVID-19 resources and information, H2N has been able to provide individuals with resources for food/rental assistance, mental health services, domestic abuse, legal rights, and more. The relationships and connections made by H2N Community Health Workers can provide future support and aid to underserved populations. Programs like H2N are a potent tool to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.
Collaborating Organizations
• Abby Area Collaborative Team
• Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin
• Aspirus
• Bridge Community Clinic
• CDC Foundation
• Community Catalyst
• Covering Wisconsin
• Family Health Center of Marshfield, Inc.
• Family Health La Clinica
• Healthfirst Network
• Hmong American Center
• Hmong WI Chamber of Commerce
• LENA Start Marathon County
• Marathon County Health Department
• Marshfield Clinic Health System
• Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin
• Mexican Consulate Mobile Outreach Partners
• North Central CAP Services
• Portage County Health Department
• Taylor County Health Department
• UMOS
• United Way of Marathon County
• Wausau Free Clinic
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• Wood County Health Department
Learn more about H2N’s History and Background
H2N’s positive impact goes just beyond the individuals and communities they serve. By working as a Community Coordinator or Community Health Worker, those passionate about helping others, young people, and students get hands on experience in public health work, serving the needs of communities, as well as mentorship from doctors and other health professionals.
Meet The Team
H2N in the News
- We’re not given the option to get vaccinated’: Advocates work to narrow racial and ethnic disparities in Wisconsin
- $200,000 grant helps community health outreach initiative in Hmong and Hispanic communities in central Wis. – WSAW-TV
- Region V Public Health Training Center: COVID-19: Engaging Hmong and Hispanic Populations in Bi-Directional Communication (On Demand)
