Maranda W. (She/her) works at Advocate Trinity Hospital located on the Southeast side of Chicago. She is a former member of NHC Chicago who I, Jennifer K., currently shadow in the emergency department to recruit patients for the Diabetes Prevention Program. 

Q: What is your job at Advocate Trinity Hospital? 

A: I am a Primary Care Coordinator Community Health Worker in the Emergency Department.

Q: What are your responsibilities? 

A: I educate patients on being an advocate for themselves and how to properly use the emergency room.

Q: Do you feel like your job is essential to the healthcare system? 

A: Absolutely! We provide the patients with resources such as housing, transportation, food, and financial stability that they may need. We also establish primary care for patients that come in and schedule appointments, whether it be with a primary care physician or a follow-up with a specialty provider. We educate patients on how to properly use the emergency room. For example, we provide them with our access to care plan, which has 3 zones (green, yellow, and red). Each zone specifies when the patient should report to their primary care doctor, immediate care (urgent care), or the emergency room.  

Q: What initially interested you about your current career path/profession?

A: I have always been passionate about helping people and their well-being. I had been exposed to working in the healthcare system as a freshman in high school. I started with Advocate Trinity Hospital as an intern with the Pathway to Healthcare program. Then, proceeded to complete an undergraduate internship and a 1-year service term as a diabetes prevention coordinator with NHC Chicago at the same hospital. I also attended a national leadership competition called the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).  

Q: What/who inspires you? Why?

A: Rukiyat L. And Melinda H. are great leaders/mentors who push me beyond my measures. Rukiyat is the community health coordinator for Advocate Trinity Hospital and Melinda is the community outreach specialist for community health.

Q: What advice would you provide to someone interested in public health? 

A: Be ready to excel and have patience. Always remember we make a living by what we do, but we also help life by what/how we provide. Although many individuals may forget your name, I promise they will never forget the care/resources you provided.