UMass Memorial, Reliant partner on social services platform

Courtesy UMass Memorial Health Care and Reliant Medical Group of Worcester say a new platform that links patients to needed social services will help bridge the gap between clinical and community-based health care. The University Campus of UMass Memorial's flagship hospital in Worcester is shown here.

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By Emily Micucci

UMass Memorial Health Care and Reliant Medical Group have launched an online platform designed to help patients get the social services they need, according to a statement from the Worcester-based healthcare providers Wednesday.

Community Health and Everyday Living Programs (HELP) allows patients and their families find and apply for government and charitable social service programs using an online director. Reliant and UMass Memorial say this will help bridge the gap often experienced by patients between clinical and community-based services.

“Often, a doctor or a social worker may know that what a person really needs is a place to live, or better nutrition, or job training, but finding the right services to help them is not always easy," said Christine Cernak, senior director of population health at UMass Memorial Health Care. "Instead of making a dozen phone calls, now people in these communities can seek help from Community HELP.”

The tool also lists up-to-date hours, contact information and other resources on an easy-to-navigate website. Healthcare providers can also prescribe services to a client or patient by using Community HELP to send a direct referral on behalf of a patient or client. The site will continually be updated.