I currently serve as an AmeriCorps Health Educator at Erie Family Health Centers in Humboldt Park. Humboldt Park is a neighborhood located on the West side of Chicago. The neighborhood is known for being influenced by the largely Puerto Rican community that resides there.
During Pre-Service Orientation, we learned about health disparities and how they can lead to negative health outcomes. These disparities tend to disproportionately affect people of color and lower socio-economic status. The residents of Humboldt Park face higher instances of diabetes, obesity and infectious diseases like HIV.
My impression of the current state of health in the Humboldt Park community is that a lot can be done to promote better health outcomes for the community. Erie Family Health Centers is helping to improve the overall health of Humboldt Park by providing culturally competent primary care for patients. I am doing my part to prevent the spread of HIV by connecting patients to PrEP and educating on HIV and safe sex practices. I am proud to be a part of the diverse team at Erie Family Health Centers and I believe that the clinic will continue to play a critical role in keeping the Humboldt Park community healthy in the years to come.
This blog post was written by NHC Chicago 2018-19 member Olga Mabolia.
