Cass Family Clinic has appointed Michele Lofton as its new community health worker manager. She will oversee all community health workers (CHWs) at its locations in Cassopolis, Niles, and Dowagiac, as well as the Mobile Clinic.

“I’m excited to provide guidance to our invaluable community health workers at Cass Family Clinic and build a cohesive, solid team that can provide the support and services that our patients need,” said Lofton.

Lofton, who has a master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University, has worked with the elderly and individuals with developmental disabilities for over 38 years. Before joining Cass Family Clinic, she served as a residential director in Indiana and as a care manager at Cass County Council on Aging and Cass County Community Mental Health for 20 years.

Lofton will manage a team of 8 colleagues who serve as liaisons between CFC patients and community partners who provide essential support such as food, transportation, shelter, diabetic and hypertension management, individual health assessments, and basic healthy lifestyle assistance.

“I take pride in supporting our patients who lack access to transportation, food, and healthcare services,” Lofton said. “Cass Family Clinic’s mission emphasizes eliminating the barriers that prevent patients from leading healthy lives. To that end, it is essential that community resources are coordinated and made available to all of our patients.”

“Michele understands firsthand the myriad factors that impact patients in our community and their health,” said Cass Family Clinic CEO Joe Gavan. “As she oversees our community health workers, Michele will also be out in the community assessing needs, building relationships, establishing trusted partnerships, identifying additional resources, and providing training and leadership for our existing team. Her role is integral to expanding the reach of our care teams as they connect patients to care, vital resources, and essential support services throughout Southwest Michigan.”