Formerly Minnesota International Health Volunteers

Improving the health of women, children and their communities around the world.

CHW of the Quarter: Maria Thoreson, Westside Community Health Services

1. What inspired you to become a Community Health Worker?

I’ve always wanted to help the Hispanic community because that is where I grew up and I understand some of the problems they face.  Being a Community Health Worker I can do this and also help everyone else who needs it. I love that I can help people one on one to improve their health, which is so important.

2. What are your main projects; which communities do you primarily work with?

I primaraly work with the Hispanic community, outreach in the community,  I do diabetes glucose testing , teaching individuals how to use a glucose monitor, suggestions on exercise eating healthy and advice of the importance of doctor visits.  I have also just been added to Sage Plus program  (cardio vascular screening, education, diagnostic evaluation for woman and life style intervention), were I’ll be able to work with life style counciling.

3. What have been some of your greatest accomplishments as a CHW thus far?

In my short time here I think my greatest acomplishment has been connecting with patients when doing outreach, especially when I can help them take charge of their health.

4. If you weren’t working as a CHW what would you want to be doing?

Be a farmer’s wife and raise chickens, go to the farmers market and do lots of gardening.

5. What advice do you have for CHWs who are new or just starting out?

It can be rather varied and more busy than I expected, which is a good thing. So I would say to learn the basics, then find which area suits you best and follow that path. But be open minded to learn new things along the way.

6. If you had to describe CHWs to someone who knew nothing about their work, which three words would you choose?

Caring. Knowledgeable and dedicated.

7. What kind of music is your favorite?

The  1970’s definitely.

8. What is your favorite book?

I don’t have a particular book, but I love anything that has to do with gardening.

9. If you had one superpower, what would it be?

Being a healer.

10. If you could have lunch with one famous person, dead or alive, who would you choose?

John Travolta, I liked him on the tv show Welcome Back Carter, his movies and think it’s awesome that he also flies airplaines.