Working Well Participant Stories

Who is Working Well?

Below are a few examples of people who received Working Well interventions. Pseudonyms are used for the participants to comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 Safe Harbor guidelines.

Roberta

Roberta had hypertension, hepatitis C, depression and anxiety, which made it difficult for her to hold a job. Before joining Working Well, she couldn’t afford her medications. She had poor vision and no teeth. She previously received public assistance and could have been a candidate for federal disability benefits if her health had continued to decline. She got medications, dentures and eyeglasses through Working Well. After entering a job training program, she worked diligently and found a job with the help of her case manager.

Juan

Juan was at risk of losing his delivery job. Before joining Working Well, he poorly controlled his diabetes, which led to painful foot ulcers that made walking difficult. The Working Well case manager got him orthopedic shoes, allowing him to work full-time. The case manager also worked with Juan to develop a diabetic diet and personalized exercise plan. Juan was linked to a psychiatrist who prescribed medication for his bipolar disorder. He received a pay raise for his exceptional work performance.

Jimmy

Jimmy had severe high blood pressure, was significantly overweight, and had recently been admitted for substance-abuse treatment. The Working Well case manager worked with Jimmy's supervisor to ensure he didn't get fired from his job at a warehouse because of missed time while he was in treatment. The case manager also connected him with a psychiatrist who prescribed medication for depression. Jimmy maintained his job, lost a lot of weight and kept a healthy blood pressure with medication.

Roxanne

Roxanne worked full-time in an administrative support position. She had dangerously high blood pressure and severe anxiety. Roxanne received anxiety medications for the first time and medication to keep her blood pressure under control with the help of her Working Well case manager. She maintained her health and employment and experienced a better quality of life after her anxiety was treated.

John

John had a history of substance abuse and coronary artery disease. His Working Well case manager convinced him to enter a five-day inpatient drug rehabilitation program. He received medications for severe withdrawal symptoms. The case manager also helped him identify a substance use disorder support group that he attended regularly. John had no teeth when entering the Working Well program. Now he has a set of dentures with the help of his case manager. John maintained sobriety with the help of a community support group and got a job with the help of his case manager.

Cynthia

Cynthia was severely depressed, had no teeth and had difficulty finding a job because of previous legal issues. She was on the verge of having her car repossessed and she couldn't afford the co-payments for necessary health care. A Working Well case manager encouraged her to connect with the local workforce board, follow her doctor's advice and take her prescribed medications. The case manager also linked Cynthia with dental and vision exams. She obtained new eyeglasses and dentures. Cynthia found a job and was recommended for a permanent position.