Spotlight on Community Health Heroes: A Q&A with Local Champions

Community Health Workers, known as promotoras in Spanish, embed themselves in their communities to make sure people can access the resources they need to live healthier lives. In the realm of public health, these advocates connect people to essential services that go beyond the scope of the exam room, forming the foundation for a strong and healthy community.

Cresencia Hernandez, a Health Management Liaison at Central Health, whose caregiving has anchored her personal and professional life. She has dedicated her career to the service of others and being an advocate for her community. In this Q&A, we explore why Cresencia values her work and emphasize the importance of community healthcare.

Case Manager Olga Drimaldo knew that stepping into a healthcare role would allow her to further serve and connect with her community. In this Central Health Q&A, we explore why Olga decided to shift from direct patient care to community health, and how she feels her work has impact.

1.?Why did you become a Community Health Worker?

Cresencia: “It was a natural transition for me, as I’ve always been in a caregiver role in my personal life.”

Olga: “I chose Community Health Work because I enjoy working with our community and what better role than (as) a CHW to best assist with its members.”

2.?What prompted you to work in a position where you would be serving your community?

Cresencia: “Life experience taught me that other Hispanic families struggled just like my own. I figured why not use my compassion, resources, and personal experience to help my community?”

Olga: “I was a medical assistant, and I knew I wanted to do more so I went in to get my certificate for CHW. I feel that working with the community is like working with family, and I feel my role allows me to give assistance to the families that need it most.”

3.??What passions of yours contribute to your work?

Cresencia: “I have a passion and love for animals and have experience fostering and volunteering with them. With this knowledge I was able to assist a couple of patients with spaying/neutering, vaccines, and food resources for their pets. It was great to use a passion of mine to serve the community in more ways than one.”

Olga: “I love helping others and advocating for our community. I’m passionate about helping with the smallest things that I know can make a big difference in our community.”

4. Why do you enjoy your work?

Cresencia: “I enjoy helping people and making a positive difference within my community.”

Olga: “ I see my community as family, and I know the struggles our people face. Making a difference in our community motivates me to continue advocating for its members, and it allows me to establish a level of trust with community members so I can best connect with and serve them.”

5. What do you wish more people knew about community healthcare and the work that you do?

Cresencia: “I wish more people knew the work CHW’s do in addressing social determinants of health and helping the community thrive. Our hope is that the patients’ basic needs are met which creates a steppingstone to better health.

Olga: “I wish more people knew how knowledgeable a CHW is and how closely they are able to work with patients and touch lives.”

6.? Why do you feel that supporting the community through accessible healthcare is valuable and important?

Cresencia: “If the community is healthier, our resources can be used to tackle the next big issue.”

Olga: “Many people in our community have low-income jobs and cannot afford insurance and do not seek medical care for that single reason. I feel it’s important to make people and families aware that there is help available to them.”

7. What has been one of your favorite projects or goals to work towards?

Cresencia: “I made it a goal to volunteer more and I’m proud of what I’m learning and the positive impact I’m making for my fellow man and even for our furry friends.”?

Olga: “One goal I am proud of achieving was becoming a Community Health Worker. Coming from being a medical assistant, I knew I wanted to go that extra mile to get my certificate so that I would be able to go out and do more in the community. Central Health really opened the door for me to do that and continue helping our people."

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