WHAT I DO & WHY
In Stanislaus County, where I live, there are more than half a million people, many of whom live in poverty or below the federal poverty level. In this rural, and largely agricultural community, many residents are uneducated and unemployed. Roughly 50% of residents in my community are recipients of government assistance. We struggle with issues like homelessness, mental health, drug addiction and human trafficking. It is my mission, and the mission of my organization to provide access to high-quality health care for all, serving with dignity respect and compassion.
It is my belief that health care is a right, not a privilege.
As the Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of Golden Valley Health Centers, I oversee public information, internal and external communications, and a lot of what shapes the patient experience through marketing and public affairs. I also oversee legislative affairs, which allows me the opportunity to advocate for issues of importance in the public health space, working with elected officials and government agencies.
The organization is one of the largest community health center in California, providing more than 700,000 services and serving 170,000 patients every year through nearly 50 clinics across three counties. Many of the patients treated suffer with various chronic conditions, 80% are reliant upon Golden Valley Health Centers for all of their primary care (and are recipients of state medical insurance), 10% are uninsured. 40% of our patients are children or adolescents.
I feel honored to represent Golden Valley Health Centers in the community, working alongside many public officials, partner agencies and nonprofit organizations to serve others and improve the quality of life in our area. I look forward to a day when all people in my community, regardless of their backgrounds, cultures and barriers, are enjoying life to its fullest, seizing new opportunities and living healthy, abundant lives.
Looking ahead, I hope to find more opportunities to work with youth through mentoring, teaching, hosting student interns, offering job shadowing opportunities, and planting seeds. I want to actively inspire a healthier community and work to create a stronger pipeline and pathway to careers in healthcare.
***Photo at right was taken accepting a City Council Proclamation from the City of Los Banos for National Health Centers Week. The photo above was at a grand opening of a remodeled clinic in East Stanislaus County.
