May is Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of these communities.
02.05.21
It was March 16, 2020, and our new Director of Human Resources got her laptop and, like many of us, was promptly ushered into the world of telework in the face of a global pandemic.
A few months later, she had a chance to be back in the clinic in an unexpected role: a trained COVID-19 screener.
“I was a little nervous, but I didn’t hesitate to sign up when medical staff requested support from administrators to screen clients at the front door,” Rachelle says. “The pandemic was seeming overwhelming, and this was an opportunity to help.”
Being on the frontline—asking anyone who comes in about potential symptoms—has helped Rachelle see first-hand the wide range of urgent needs that come with not having a stable place to stay:
Each short encounter reinforces why in-person care is still critical for the people we serve. And Rachelle sees that in the relationships she’s building during her shifts, too.
“It brings a smile to my face when people come back and recognize me,” she says. “One client keeps me updated on all his care. ‘Remember when I told you I was worried I had cancer?’ he asked me once. ‘I’m going to be ok.’ I could tell it meant a lot to him to have someone to talk to about his progress.”
The last three months have been tough. The number of people screening positive and needing testing has jumped as COVID spikes across the country. But Rachelle and the rest of our screeners are out there every day, creating a safe place for people to get care.
Want to join the team that makes sure our neighbors get the care they need?
Apply for an open position
May is Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of these communities.
Gregory Rogers is a Senior Community Health Worker (CHW) with years of experience in addiction counseling. A vital part of a client’s care team, CHWs work with clients to navigate care both in the clinic and out in the community. See how Greg spends his days!
An artist, gamer, and movie lover, Curtis McLaughlin has been part of the Health Care for the Homeless Art Group for more than five years. Get to know Curtis in the lasted edition of "Pass the Mic".
Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.