Community Health Worker of the Quarter 2012
Comfort Dondo-Dewey (Portico HealthNet)
What ispired you to become a community health worker?
My own personal health disparity led me to Portico, where I currently work, and the services they offer. It was at that time that I learned that I wanted to help people who were having their own type of health crises.
What are your main projects; which communities do you primarily work with?
Women and children are my main focus. I also do quite a bit of work with the African immigrant community as I think it is important to work with familiar communities. More recently, likely due to the economy, I am working with people from all different populations. I like this because everyone has a different story to share.
What have been some of your greatest accomplishments as a CHW thus far?
I feel my greatest accomplishment was when a woman with HIV came to me; she was very sick at the time and was desperately in need of antiretroviral medications. I was very worried about this woman and spent a lot of time and energy calling pharmacies and even the manufacturer in hopes of attaining the medications through a donation. I ended up donating my own money to her and was able to help her continue on her HIV regime until she was able to get insurance through Minnesota Care.
If you weren’t working as a CHW what would you want to be doing?
If I wasn’t working as a CHW I would possibly work as a nurse, but definitely something health related.
What advice do you have for CHWs who are new or just starting out?
My advice would be to get into this work for the right reasons. You can only do this job if your heart is in it because you want to enjoy it and be effective at your work. Also, be prepared to give a lot of yourself for this job.
If you had to describe CHWs to someone who knew nothing about their work, which three words would you choose?
I would describe the work of a CHW as a bridge or intermediary between the system and the individual needing help, the CHW helps both parties understand the other side.
What do you do for fun?
For fun I spend time with my son, go swimming, reading a good book and travelling.
How do you take care of yourself?
I take care of myself by keeping a good balance in my life between work, family, and all other aspects. I try to be the best that I can be in all parts of my life so I feel that keeping a balance is very important.