Every month we (UServeUtah) recognize one AmeriCorps member in Utah that is going above and beyond the pledge, they took to “Get Things Done.” Our member of the month for June is Alex Valdez.
Alex is a Community Health Worker (CHW) placed with the Association for Utah Community Health (AUCH) and serves patients at several clinics in Salt Lake City by connecting them to social and healthcare resources. Alex is also the youngest member of the Utah Healthcare Corps, and has grown exponentially in her service as a CHW since starting in January. Alex goes above and beyond to provide her patients with the support they need to address barriers to care. Rose Park Clinic’s Coordinator and AUCH staff have messages to share regarding Alex’s dedication to exceptional service:
From Rose Park Clinic’s Coordinator: In May, a Punjabi-speaking patient arrived alone at Rose Park Clinic for his appointment. After a medical examination, it was determined that he would need to be taken to the hospital immediately. The patient did not have a phone. The clinic tried to contact his daughter, who is also a patient of the Salt Lake Community Health Workers, but could not reach her. When I explained the situation to Alex, who was serving at a different clinic that day, she offered to go to the daughter’s house to let her know in person. Alex drove to her home and informed her that her father needed to be taken to the hospital immediately and that she needed to get to Rose Park Clinic as soon as possible. The daughter picked up her father and took him to the hospital, where he was admitted. The time Alex took out of her regular schedule to drive to the patient’s house saved this uninsured family the cost of an ambulance ride. Thank you, Alex!
From Alex’s supervisor, Denisse Gonzalez: “Alex, I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the time and energy you have spent serving in our community and making a difference, one patient at a time. In your role as a CHW, you have impacted many lives, including your team. Your passion for helping others and your positive attitude is so contagious. You always go above and beyond for your patients, setting a great example for the rest of the team. I’m so excited for you to win this award, you deserve it. Keep up the great work!”
From AUCH’s CHW Manager, Lourdes Rangel: Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure to work with Alex and discover her potential, and observe those potentials ripening and thriving in response to the demands of her service. Alex conquers challenge after challenge, welcoming each experience as a chance to grow and learn, and emerging as one of the most motivated CHWs on our team. Alex works tirelessly to stay knowledgeable, is always open to learn, is flexible, and focuses on serving the community. Alex has successfully advocated for community members and created a friendly relationship with the agencies and clinical sites that serve them. Her spirit of service and support to the patients and their families contribute to the energy and growth of our community.
Thank you for your service, Alex!
Learn more about AmeriCorps programs in Utah here!
https://userve.utah.gov/americorps-member-of-the-month-alex-valdez/