Equitably Extending our Reach: Employing Community Members to be our Hands and Feet in the Communities we Serve

Debra Ortiz-Vasquez, JD

Over the past decade, Esperanza Health Center (EHC) has sought to meaningfully educate and leverage community members to be resources for health and wellness in their spheres of influence. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic propelled us to think creatively around ways to equitably employ community members, thus extending our presence in the community and our ability to respond to emerging needs. This session will utilize EHC’s Community COVID Ambassador program, developed in response to COVID-19 fears and misinformation, as a case study in equitable community engagement. We will also touch on other engagement models. Panel: Lianette Pappaterra, MPH; Maryann Salib, DO, MPH; Anna Cole; Darlene Burton (Community Covid Ambassador)