Waterfall Community Health Center’s Social Health Navigation Team
It is the vision of the Waterfall Community Health Center’s Social Health Program to provide patients with the opportunity to receive equitable access to integrated health care, regardless of any barriers they may experience. As such, we recognize that Social Determinants, such as lack of transportation or financial strain, play a centralized role in a person’s overall health or lack of health and well-being. The Social Health Program provides services and links to local resources for Waterfall patients who are experiencing certain barriers to their health. We hope to empower our Waterfall community with the services, and education needed to live whole and healthy lives.
Nutritional Education Class
“Maximize your Healthspan” Presented by Cheryl O'Dell
What to expect?
- In-depth health and wellness advice from Cheryl O’Dell, a nutritionist at Natural Grocers.
- Fresh produce for participants to take home.
- A game with a chance to win prizes!
Please RSVP to Stefanie at 541-756-6232 Ext. 189
Health Insurance Enrollment
Waterfall has a long standing history of working with community members who have health insurance questions. We have qualified and trained assisters who will help you check your eligibility and work with you to enroll or re-enroll in the Oregon Health Plan.
Call us at 541-756-6232 and make an appointment with our Social Health team today!
Please bring the following information to your appointment for OHP applications: (Any questions please feel free to call our Social Health Navigation Team prior to your appointment.)
Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members, even if they are not applying for coverage.
(The term “household” applies to anyone that is, or would be if you filed, included on your tax returns.)
Income verification for all household members, even if they are not applying for coverage.
(wage stubs, social security award letter, unemployment benefit letter, etc.)
Any immigration documentation for all family members.
Social Determinants of Health
We understand that your health needs and goals may encompass more than what is covered by your medical exams. We care about you and your well-being and our Navigators will work with you to overcome any barriers you may be experiencing.
Ask us about our personal care options.
Are you cold? Are you hungry? Let us know.
Are you having trouble getting to and from your medical appointments? We will explore transportation options that will fit your lifestyle.
Are you struggling with housing issues? The Social Health Team can help you navigate available housing assistance programs.
Do you struggle with medication costs? We can help you search for prescription assistance programs.
Are you in need of employment or education? Social Health staff can connect you with an array of job, school, and training resources.
Are you experiencing high levels of STRESS? We can refer you to a weekly on-site stress management class run by Waterfall staff.
Ask us about available eye care and dental assistance programs.
Are you a Veteran? A member of a Native American Tribe? A senior? A member of the LGBTQ+ community? Are you feeling isolated and unsure of what services may be available to you? We can connect you to community support and resources.
Veggie Rx Program
Waterfall’s Veggie Rx program is designed to address food insecurity and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables for our patients. This program is open to all patients free of charge, and patients can come by once a week to get a bag of produce. If it’s your first time visiting us, you get a free reusable grocery bag to take your food home with! Waterfall also has a produce station available without prescription to all youth at our Marshfield School Based Health Center.
Social Health Program Staff
Jody Tolman, Community Health Worker, Personal Health Navigator
Social Health Program Manager
Jody Tolman is a Coos County native, as were both of her parents. She has never lived anywhere else! Jody has worked in the medical field since she was 19. She has had many different positions at Waterfall Community Health Center ever since she started in the front office here in June of 2012. She obtained Community Health Worker certification in 2017 from OSU through a course they offered at SWOCC. Jody became Social Health program manager in June of 2022. Gardening and taking drives off of the beaten path are some of her and her husband’s favorite weekend pastimes.
Heather Brooks, Community Health Worker, Personal Health Navigator
School-Based Patient Navigator
Heather Brooks has called Coos County “home” her whole life. She was born and raised in Coos Bay and graduated from Marshfield High School. When she joined the family at Waterfall Community Health Center in August of 2021, she was brand new to the medical field, but her extensive background in customer service laid a great foundation for her role at the front desk. Heather loves to help those around her in whatever way she can, so when a position for a Patient Navigator opened the following year, she felt it was an excellent opportunity to explore this strength. She earned her Community Health Worker certification in 2023 and truly feels this role was made for her. In her spare time, Heather loves to create art of all kinds, go roller skating with her old derby teammates, spend time with her family, and work on keeping her small collection of houseplants alive.
Kara Kutch, Community Health Worker
Patient Navigator | OHP/Marketplace Liaison
Kara Kutch began working for Waterfall Community Health Center in 2023. As a Community Health Worker (THW/CHW), she enjoys assisting patients with their social determinates of health needs. Kara specializes in OHP and Marketplace health insurances and is a certified Community Partner. She is dedicated to helping members of the community gain access to resources that will improve their lives and well-being. Kara is a true Oregonian at heart, with hobbies including camping in the forest, hiking at the beach, and swimming upriver. She also enjoys reading and playing with her two cats.
Stefanie Wolverton, Community Health Worker
Patient Navigator, Garden and Nutrition Program Coordinator
Stefanie is a Utah native who moved to Coos Bay in 2018. She graduated from Utah State University in 1996 with an Associate Degree in Business Administration. Stefanie loves to garden, go to the beach, and crochet blankets! Houseplants are her favorite past time! She has 32 plants, and loves them all! Stefanie lived in California for 8 years, and while there, she worked with adults who had disabilities in their own homes, helping them with budgeting, doctors’ appointments, learning how to cook, and getting them out into their communities. She joined Waterfall in 2023 as a PSR, but her passion was Social Health from the start. Stefanie believes in the mission of Waterfall, and helping people however she can is the best!
Taylor Claflin
Patient Navigator
Taylor is a born and raised Coos Bay native. He’s also lived in Northern California and over in Bend for a little while. Taylor has been working in EMS for the last handful of years, and before that he owned a local farm. For the most part his hobbies include home improvement, fixing trucks, and hanging out in front of the fireplace with his wife and dog. As a patient navigator, Taylor is thrilled to give people the help they need and to get them a step ahead in life.
Understanding Minor Consent and Confidentiality in Health Care in Oregon
Community Resource Partnerships
