Meet Alethia Watford, Complex Care Clinical Social Worker

Families with children facing rare or chronic illnesses often struggle with coordinating resources, which can significantly impact their well-being. Alethia Watford, a Pediatric Complex Care Clinical Social Worker at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, understands the importance of providing support to minimize barriers and improve access for these families.

“Kids with medical complexities require the coordination of multiple providers, systems, and services to adequately meet their needs and the needs of their primary support system. They have several appointments monthly, sometimes weekly, that can be particularly burdensome for families,” Watford says.

“This in essence can often be challenging and overwhelming for some families, especially for families who are navigating this independently who might also have other children they are caring for. One major challenge is fragmented care that can impact timeliness in receiving care, access to services, communication, and advocacy,” Watford explains.

The Complex Care Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Richmond offers a team-based approach that greatly benefits families. By providing comprehensive care in one location, the clinic allows access to necessary specialists and enables real-time communication and shared decision-making. And the impact of this care is showing favorable results.

A recent success, Watford shares, was when she helped a child obtain a Medicaid Waiver after he was initially denied. “These waivers open up so many services, resources and supports for families who qualify,” she explains. “They can be beneficial for the overall well-being of the family and the child. I’m here to help families navigate the process.”

Thank you Alethia for all that you do for our kids and families!