Where does public health take you?
As the District Testing Coordinator, I cover a lot of ground with our mobile clinic van, offering testing, resources, and more. I particularly love going out to the community events and doing outreach, like at the Science Museum on Halloween or River Rock! In my day to day though, I facilitate COVID testing and home test distribution at 4-5 community based events a week, through partners, and our resource centers; I support our clinics when there is a surge in cases of other viruses like the flu or mpox in the community; I work with our employee health team fitting staff into the proper respiratory protection and as a CPR/BLS instructor and overdose REVIVE! Trainer. I spend most of my time out in the community, usually on the Southside or East End.
Where did you learn about public health? Who is your public health hero?
COVID got me into public health, but I’ve always loved to help others and this was a good avenue to do so! My hero is Kate Bausman – she got me started with the Medical Reserve Corps!
Where were you before you joined RHHD?
I was at VCU here in Richmond for their Homeland Security and Emergency Management program (the first in the nation!).
What are some of the most important health needs you see in our community?
Health education, connectivity, and insurance coverage.
Where do you find rest or rejuvenation?
Nature, walking trails, the river, the forest, anywhere without concrete!
Random Round!
What’s Richmond’s best month?
April, I love spring here.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to right now?
Season 2 of Physical 100 ? (which is also helping with my Korean lessons).
Would you rather be a ghost or a dog?
Ghost, I have a few tricks I’d like to pull!