Serving as a Healthcare Navigator at Pittsburgh Mercy Family Health Center

My name is Nya Pemberton, and I serve as a Healthcare Navigator at Pittsburgh Mercy Family Health Center (PMFHC). PMFHC is a primary care clinic that serves a diverse population across Allegheny County, many of whom come from a wide range of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Over time, our team has worked to build trust with patients and create a safe, supportive environment for care.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, I have observed how closely different departments work together to develop and implement individualized care plans. In my role as a Healthcare Navigator, I support both patients and care teams by helping coordinate care, improving communication between departments, and ensuring patients are connected to the resources they need to manage their health effectively.

One key concern within our patient population is the prevalence of hypertension, defined as blood pressure readings at or above 140/90 mmHg. Many of these cases are closely linked to social determinants of health, including housing instability, limited access to transportation, food insecurity, and other barriers that impact patients’ ability to maintain consistent care.

Our clinic has taken a proactive approach to addressing this issue by maintaining consistent follow-up with patients diagnosed with hypertension and prioritizing ongoing monitoring and support. In my role, I assist by conducting follow-up calls, coordinating appointments, and maintaining a detailed tracking system to monitor blood pressure trends and patient progress over time. This system has helped our team identify patterns, improve continuity of care, and intervene earlier when patients show signs of elevated risk.

These efforts have contributed to more stable blood pressure management among many of our patients and have strengthened our ability to provide consistent, patient-centered care. While progress is often gradual, seeing measurable improvements over time has been both meaningful and motivating.

This role has also shaped my understanding of healthcare and what meaningful progress truly looks like. I’ve learned that progress is not always large or immediate; it can be as simple as a patient reducing their soda intake, attending a follow-up appointment, or taking small but consistent steps toward better managing their health.

This experience has challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, shaping the way I understand patient care and community health. It has strengthened my passion for working with underserved populations and continues to guide my future goals in public health and healthcare advocacy.