John HansenBack to Member List
![John Hansen is facing the camera and smiling. He is wearing a burgundy turtle neck.](/sites/default/files/styles/bio/public/2023-08/John%20Hansen_Headshot.jpeg?itok=sY1TfHtn)
Position Title:
COVID-19 Responder/Opioid Safety Coordinator
Where are you from?
While I’m originally from Northern California (Sacramento), I just completed undergrad and grad school in the Midwest.
Why did you decide to join NHC?
I am eager to serve with AmeriCorps to broaden my understanding of the implementation of public health interventions, further my experience in patient navigation, and work together with populations experiencing poor public health outcomes in San Francisco towards improvement of such outcomes.
What are you hoping to gain or learn during your service term?
My previous patient contact experience has not been with individuals experiencing substance use disorders; this is something I hope to change. As the U.S. continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, San Francisco exemplifies unique challenges that I look forward to approaching. Moreover, historically, San Francisco has a distinct public health ethic — particularly as it relates to crises disproportionately affecting marginalized populations such as sexual and gender minority individuals. As I begin my career in public health, I hope to learn from public health agencies and practitioners in San Francisco and apply this knowledge to future career opportunities (whether those are in the Bay Area or elsewhere).
What are you most looking forward to during your service term?
I’m most looking forward to connecting with the other NHC volunteers! It has been a challenge to connect with coworkers and colleagues in public health/healthcare since 2020, yet this is such an important component of our work.