US community care coordination programme launches CardMedic to overcome language barriers and address health inequities
Harris County Pathways Community HUB (PCH) is Level 1 certified Pathways Community HUB housed within The Network of Behavioral Health Providers, has partnered with CardMedic, an innovative digital platform aimed at bridging communication divides in healthcare. This collaboration represents a crucial step forward in mitigating social determinants of health and ensuring access to equitable care for all, particularly individuals with significant behavioural health needs or barriers to healthcare access.
Serving one of America's most diverse populations, Harris County’s care coordination programme focuses on people navigating challenges such as substance use, domestic violence and homelessness. Notably, 40% of its participants are Spanish-speaking, many of whom lack the proper documents to live or work in the country. By integrating CardMedic into 21 of its pathways, Harris County will enhance participant engagement, reduce language obstacles and deliver healthcare consistent with peoples’ individualised needs.
Shalom Ogbonda, Quality Improvement and PCH Support Manager at Harris County Pathways Community HUB said: “At Harris County, improving communication with our participants is key to delivering equitable care. CardMedic equips our Community Health Workers with the tools they need to offer culturally competent care, ensure transparent communication, and support families across critical behavioural health pathways.”
CardMedic will be designing scripted cards specifically for Harris County’s programmes and will be integrated into the Family Care Portfolio. The tool will strengthen communication around key pathways like food security and emergency preparedness, ensuring families have the information they need to navigate immediate challenges like meeting nutritional needs or preparing for natural disasters. This will provide people with consistent, accessible information.
LaToya Shields, Director of Harris County Pathways Community HUB, said: “Our collaboration with CardMedic reflects our dedication to advancing health equity for residents in need. By addressing barriers to care—whether linguistic, cultural, or logistical—we are fostering innovative solutions that will benefit our communities for years to come.”
Dr Rachael Grimaldi, CEO and Co-Founder of CardMedic, highlighted the wider implications of the partnership: “Harris County is setting a benchmark for inclusive healthcare. With CardMedic, participants receive the support they need to connect with their care teams confidently. It empowers people to take control of their health by providing them with clear, accessible information. Together, we’re demonstrating how innovation can transform access to care and provide healthcare that truly meets the individual where they are.”
Six community health workers from Harris County will launch CardMedic by mid-March, with the potential to serve more than 150 participants. This first phase of implementation also forms a foundation for securing future funding aimed at expanding Harris County’s equity-driven initiatives. Following this initial phase, CardMedic aims to share the specially designed scripts across The Network of Behavioral Health Providers.
CardMedic is gaining rapid use in multiple US and UK healthcare settings. Most recently it was deployed at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
First published in Health Tech World