SOCIAL SERVICES

SOCIAL SERVICES

North Side Christian Health Center recognizes that overall health is influenced by more than medical care alone. Our social services support a whole-person approach by helping patients address challenges that can affect their health and ability to access care. Our team connects patients with community resources and provides one-on-one assistance with food access, transportation, health insurance enrollment, interpretation services, and other essential needs.

HEALTHY FOOD

North Side Christian Health Center recognizes that access to nutritious food is an important part of overall health and wellness. We connect patients and families who identify as food insecure with healthy food resources. We also provide nutrition education to support healthy choices and the management of chronic conditions. When patients need assistance accessing nutritious food, we offer the following:

Food Boxes

Shelf-stable groceries are provided in partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to support patients and families experiencing food insecurity. Offerings vary based on availability. Made possible by a generous grant from The Buhl Foundation.

Food Bucks

Vouchers are redeemable at two locally owned North Side grocery stores: Mayfly Market & Deli and Freeman Family Farm Store. Food Bucks can be used to purchase a variety of nutritious foods, including fresh produce, milk, eggs, butter, chicken, bread, and orange juice, as well as prepared foods. Some restrictions may apply. Made possible by a generous grant from The Buhl Foundation.

Fresh Produce

Free fresh produce is available once a month in the reception area of North Side Christian Health Center’s Middle Street location. This program is provided through a partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. (PCSI).

HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE

North Side Christian Health Center helps patients navigate health insurance options and connect with coverage that meets their needs. Our Social Services Team includes a Certified Pennie Assister who provides one-on-one assistance with applications, renewals, and questions about available coverage.

Pennie Marketplace

Our Certified Pennie Assister helps patients apply for medical and dental coverage through Pennie, Pennsylvania’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Patients can receive assistance comparing plans, completing applications, and understanding their coverage options.

Additional Health Insurance Assistance                                                                        

Assistance is also available for initial application and renewals of state programs, including:

  • Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) 

  • Medical Assistance (MA/Medicaid) 

  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 

  • Medicaid for Children with Special Needs (PH95) 

  • North Side Christian Health Center helps patients overcome transportation barriers so they can get care at our locations. Our Social Services Team assists patients with applications for the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) and helps them explore additional transportation options.

  • North Side Christian Health Center provides interpretation services at no additional cost for patients with limited English proficiency and patients with hearing impairments. Interpretation is available for medical, dental, and behavioral health appointments in more than 200 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Farsi, Haitian Creole, and Swahili. Please request interpretation services when scheduling your appointment.

  • North Side Christian Health Center helps patients navigate a wide range of resources that support their health, stability, and well-being. Our Social Services Team provides:

    • Assistance identifying temporary and permanent housing options. 

    • Care coordination with community organizations for social or health-related needs beyond the services we provide. 

    • Connections to behavioral health, aging, disability, and caregiver resources, including in-home caregiving support. 

    • Education, referrals, and advocacy related to legal services, immigrant and refugee resources, childcare, early intervention, job training, and online employment resources. 

CONTACT

We encourage patients to share their needs with their medical, dental, or behavioral health care team. Our clinical and Social Services Teams work together to connect patients with appropriate resources and support. Patients may also call 412-321-4001 to submit an outreach request.