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Boulder City Hospital outlines community resource liaison program that has helped hundreds
Summary
Boulder City Hospital’s community resource liaison described a case-management program funded by ARPA that referred 507 people since March 2023 and assisted 230 in 2024 with housing, benefits and emergency needs; councilmembers praised the outreach and urged contract continuation.
Jennifer Hedlund, the community resource liaison for Boulder City Hospital, told the City Council the program connects vulnerable residents to services and partners with local nonprofits and city departments to resolve housing, health and basic-needs problems.
Hedlund told the council the program — funded by an American Rescue Plan Act grant in partnership with the city and Nevadans for the Common Good — provides case management, on-site visits and referrals to services. “The CRL bridges needs with available social services for vulnerable populations,” she said.
Hedlund gave 10 anonymized case examples. She said the program helped a senior secure $26,000 in mortgage assistance through the Nevada Affordable Housing Assistance Corporation, arranged a pro bono roof repair where the lowest quote was $12,000, connected a client to Medicaid and Social Security disability benefits, and obtained $4,500 in back and future rent plus utility payments for another household. She reported that 230 residents were assisted in 2024 and 507 individuals have been referred to the CRL since the program began in March 2023.
Volunteers and service providers in public comment praised the liaison’s work. Pam Triolo, a volunteer with Emergency Aid, said Hedlund’s on-site presence has led to tangible results — “she’s a definite asset,” Triolo said — and urged the council to renew the contract. Bobby Johnson, speaking for the Boulder City cluster of Nevadans for the Common Good, called the program “helping people in our community navigate the often difficult health care and social service system.”
Councilmembers asked how residents find the program; Hedlund said referrals come from nonprofits, the fire and police departments, and self-referral by phone or email, and that the program coordinates with Southern Nevada outreach teams for navigation-center placements in Las Vegas. She said the program’s biggest obstacle is widespread financial instability and rising rents that make stable housing difficult to secure.
The presentation concluded with council expressions of appreciation and requests that staff continue to support the program; Hedlund said she would provide contact information and answer follow-up questions. No formal council action on the program was taken at the meeting; speakers urged continued funding and contract renewal when the council considers those items.
The council did not vote on the CRL contract during this meeting; Hedlund’s presentation and the public endorsements leave the program poised for inclusion in future budget or contract discussions.
