Kathy Hines is a tireless advocate and a force for positive change in her community. As the South Country Health Alliance community care connector serving Steele and Waseca counties, Kathy brings a unique blend of passion, dedication, and a “can-do” attitude to her role as a social worker. She’s not just a problem-solver; she’s a visionary, ready to take on any challenge that comes her way.
Kathy exemplifies what it means to be a true community advocate. Her dedication, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to making a difference continue to transform lives in the communities she serves.
“Always maintain a 'can-do' attitude,” Kathy said. “Take the time to explore all the options to help meet a member's needs.” Whether the challenges are big or small, they don’t deter her. Kathy's proactive approach has led to improvements in the way services are delivered in her communities. One of her notable achievements is helping to form a collaborative group of human service, mental health, and public health professionals in Steele County. This initiative was designed to address inconsistent or duplicative services and fill gaps in community resources.
“The counties of Waseca and Steele, where I serve as a connector, are rich in resources and have many agencies committed to meeting the needs of their communities through person-centered care,” she explained. By bringing these agencies together, Kathy has helped create a more coordinated and effective network of support for residents.
As a community care connector, Kathy plays a crucial role in linking health plan members of South Country with the care and resources they need. South Country is a county-owned health plan serving Steele and Waseca counties and five other rural Minnesota counties, including Dodge, Goodhue, Kanabec, Sibley, and Wabasha. South Country covers essential health care services to residents eligible for Minnesota Medical Assistance, a lifeline for low-income individuals and families.
Kathy’s enthusiasm and dedication often inspire those around her. “Sharing practices, new ideas, and acting on them to better serve our communities in ways that will improve and enhance lives is what I most enjoy,” she said. Her motivation is driven by a deep love for her work and a genuine belief that she is making a difference. “I love my job and feel I am making a positive impact on people in the communities I serve. I can honestly say I have never felt frustrated.”
For Kathy, the most rewarding aspect of her work is seeing the successful outcomes of her efforts. “When I see a successful result from helping a member — whether it's connecting them with a resource, answering a question, or helping them troubleshoot a problem — that inspires me,” she said.
Managing members’ needs for two counties is no small task, but Kathy embraces the challenge. “I will work hard and do my very best to advocate for members by being responsive to their and providers' questions and requests.”
One story that stands out to Kathy involves a member who was struggling to remain in his home due to unique physical and medical needs. On top of his own challenges, he was also the primary caregiver for a relative living with him. “We formed a collaborative team to develop a care plan that met the needs of both him and his relative,” Kathy recalled. As the connector, she helped ensure clear communication between all parties, leading to a successful outcome that allowed both individuals to stay in their home with the support they needed.
Kathy’s commitment to her community and her exceptional service haven’t gone unnoticed. Last fall, she was honored with the South Country Diamond Award, recognizing her outstanding service to members and her embodiment of the company’s core values of collaboration, stewardship, communication, and excellence.