Inside Methodist Healthcare Ministries: Community Health Worker

Q&A with Lisa O.

Question: What does a Community Health Worker do at Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM)?

Answer: Community Health Workers (CHW) or Promotores de Salud wear many hats! CHWs are members of the community who are chosen by community members or organizations to provide basic health care to their community. At MHM, we work closely with the Wesley Nurse program. Our roles vary depending on the programming or community needs.

Question: What's your typical day look like?

Answer: During a typical day, I may help with organizing a health or resource fair and look for partners to promote an event. CHWs have the opportunity to educate and enroll our clients within the health insurance marketplace. More recently, we have partnered with EnrollSA to offer education sessions and enrollment assistance. Being a part of this coalition, has given us the opportunity to partner with other community agencies and health care organizations like Methodist Healthcare System, BiblioTech and libraries in San Antonio.

Question: What is the best part of your job?

Answer: As a CHW, I want to save the world, truly. My job gives me the belief that I can. The community and my team help me accomplish this through my daily tasks and assignments.

Question: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Answer: I enjoy watching a good movie, but not romance. I enjoy reading, but have a short attention span. Currently, I am reading The Wisdom of Whores a study on HIV/AIDS; Prince Lestat about a vampire; and Wuthering Heights. They are all totally different stories. And any day of the week, I am always up for karaoke!

Question: What do you love about living in Texas?

Answer: What I love most about Texas is that my family is here. Of course, I also love the hot weather and the beautiful wildflowers in the Spring. I'm glad that our state is so diverse and we have the music capitol of the world in our backyard. I enjoy our Texas beaches in the summer and long Hill Country drives with cicadas singing in the back ground. I can't leave out Selena and celebrating Fiesta for two weeks!