Nkemka ChukwumerijeBack to Member List

Profile Picture of Nkemka Chukwumerije

Member Name:  Nkemka Chukwumerije

NHC Program:  Public Health Leadership Corps

Host Site:  Florida JaxHats

Position Title:  Patient Navigator

 

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Southern California!

 

Why did you decide to join NHC?

As an aspiring physician, I am passionate about improving health outcomes and health equity in underserved communities. After a public health fellowship during my undergraduate years, I had the privilege of completing a community health needs assessment for a small neighborhood in New Haven County, Connecticut. As a historically under-resourced neighborhood with a predominantly Black population, nearly half of the residents were housing-cost burdened, and life expectancy lagged well behind state averages. As a fellow assigned to a local elderly housing facility in the community, I spoke to residents about their experience in the neighborhood and their stories about the lack of connection they felt post-COVID. Inspired by these conversations, I advocated for an expanded wellness facility in the unit, and a monthly resident engagement program to reduce isolation and improve quality of life as the residents aged. These recommendations helped shape a $3 million renovation proposal grounded in community voices.

 

This experience inspired me to pursue a position that allows me to build on my public health interests while serving patients directly in clinical and non-clinical settings. The Public Health Leadership Corps and my position with JaxHATS encapsulate these interests. 

 

What are you hoping to gain or learn during your service term?

If I were to shorten my list of learning objectives to three, here is what I would highlight: 

  • Develop a deep understanding of the "healthcare transition model" of care (a model that aims to improve the transfer of an individual from one healthcare system/setting to another-- ie. pediatric setting to adult-based setting)
  • Learn how to serve patients at my host site and the various communities in Jacksonville with close attention to their unique needs and cultural differences
  • Build meaningful relationships with NHC staff, NHC members, and patients rooted in trust and respect

 

What are you most looking forward to during your service term?

I am excited to serve in the city of Jax and explore Florida and all it has to offer! I want to see Travis Hunter play at the Jaguars game, take a day-trip to St. Augustine, and take in the beautiful beaches in the area.