Community Connectors: Helping remove barriers to care in Nevada

Michael’s story

Michael Venton II, manager of community engagement and outreach at Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid, believes a boots-on-the-ground approach is critical to building trust and serving the needs of local residents.

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“We’re all local. Even from my days as a community health worker, we always emphasized that we’re local, so we can stay abreast of the changes in the community,” Michael said. 

Michael started working for Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid in 2018. As a community health worker, he worked directly with members — visiting them at their homes — helping them better understand their benefits. That experience led Michael to his next role, a position focused on outreach, making connections with organizations and partners that share our mission of creating healthier communities.

“I love being able to be out in the community, building those relationships, and really just being impactful to the community,” Michael said.

For Michael, working in the community means more than just providing resources; it means making a direct impact.

“We want to have healthy outcomes,” he said. “And not all of it is just going to the doctor, but helping them get to the doctor, helping them pick up the prescription, helping them remove all barriers. We don’t do it for the thanks. We do it because it’s our responsibility to be here and serve the community.”

“Every day you make somebody’s day. Not everybody can say that.”

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