This week, the spotlight is on 2017-2018 CHCACT AmeriCorps member Heide Hernandez Jimenez. Heide shares details about her AmeriCorps experience at Southwest Community Health Center in Bridgeport.   Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Heide: Access to affordable and high-quality health care is a human right that I strongly believe in. I had been working in North Carolina with SAF (Student Action with Farmworkers) as a Health Fellow and was looking to do similar work once I moved back home to Connecticut. While I was looking for work, I stumbled upon the STICH AmeriCorps program. The opportunity to use my outreach, language skills, and health education experiences…

This week, the spotlight is on 2018-2019 CHCACT AmeriCorps member Fahima Dirir. Fahima shares details about her AmeriCorps experience at Charter Oak Health Center in West Hartford. Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Fahima: What most attracted me to the STICH program was the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of public health care. In the future, I hope to expand upon the health care systems in place in Somaliland to give access to holistic healthcare to all Somalilanders. It was my intention to familiarize myself with the models in place at my FQHC, such as patient pods, to modify and implement such practices abroad to best…

This week, the spotlight is on 2018-2019 CHCACT AmeriCorps member Kelly Baratko. Kelly shares details about her AmeriCorps experience at United Community & Family Services, Norwich - School Based Health Center at Kelly Middle School. Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Kelly: While studying Public Health at Eastern Connecticut State University, I was exposed to the idea that access to health care is a right, not a privilege. After learning the STICH program’s main initiative – to help people navigate the health care system through education and outreach – I was immediately drawn to the idea and realized the value this program had to offer. It seemed…

This week, the spotlight is on 2018-2019 CHCACT AmeriCorps member Jazmin Capel. Jazmin shares details about her AmeriCorps experience at StayWell Health Center in Waterbury. Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Jazmin: I wanted to join the STICH AmeriCorps Program because I wanted to serve my community, develop professional skills, and gain experience. What has been the most meaningful experience you've had during service thus far? Jazmin: My most meaningful experience during service was attending other STICH members’ service projects. It allowed me to explore other communities and other nonprofits that are in surrounding areas. It was also nice to help others in different ways. If you had…

This week, the spotlight is on 2018 - 2019 CHCACT AmeriCorps member Rubina Bhura. Rubina shares details about her AmeriCorps experience at First Choice Health Centers in East Hartford.   Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Rubina:  I am a strong advocate for human rights and learning about healthcare in the United States. I plan on going to medical school and really wanted to take a gap year doing something meaningful. I loved participating in service projects in college, including facilitating health education lessons. The STICH AmeriCorps program was a perfect fit for me! What has been the most meaningful experience you've had during service thus far?…

This week, the spotlight is on 2018-2019 CHCACT AmeriCorps member Cory Williams. Cory shares details about his AmeriCorps experience at Fair Haven Community Health Clinic. Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Cory: After graduating college, I knew I would have to take a gap year before attending medical school. I wanted to participate in something worthwhile during the year off that incorporated my passion for health care and community service. STICH provided an incredible opportunity to serve at a federally qualified health center and facilitate trainings on health education and health insurance literacy, all of which aligned perfectly with my interests. What has been the most meaningful…

This week, the spotlight is on 2018-2019 CHCACT AmeriCorps member Breanna De Leon. Breanna shares details about her AmeriCorps experience at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center in New Haven. Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Breanna: Serving the underserved and advocating for social justice within health care systems has always been my passion, as all of my immediate grandparents have passed away from preventable and treatable chronic diseases. I knew I wanted to serve in an AmeriCorps program that was centered around chronic care management and addressing social determinants of health. I decided to join STICH AmeriCorps because I believe in improving health and wellness for all and…

This week, the spotlight is on 2019-2020 CHCACT AmeriCorps member Jayda Hawley. Jayda shares details about her AmeriCorps experience at First Choice Health Center in East Hartford. Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Jayda: I joined the STICH AmeriCorps program immediately after completing my undergraduate degree in Public Health. The main reason I joined was to explore and learn more about the healthcare field. I wanted to accelerate learning and skill-building from someone currently working in the field. I’ve always had a passion for health care but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do exactly. What has been the most meaningful experience you've had during service…

This week, the spotlight is on 2019-2020 CHCACT's STICH AmeriCorps member Sarah Mongillo. Sarah shares details about her AmeriCorps experience at StayWell Health Center in Waterbury. Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Sarah: I have always wanted a career that is centered on community development, and a class in college sparked my interest in public health. The Service to Improve Community Health (STICH) program was the perfect way to develop my skills and be involved with health education, which was my biggest interest in public health. The STICH program is an opportunity to explore my own interests while having the autonomy to become involved in the community…

This week, the spotlight is on 2019-2020 CHCACT's STICH AmeriCorps member Katie Prota. Katie shares details about her AmeriCorps experience serving with Fair Haven Community Health Care in New Haven. Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program? Katie: I decided to join the STICH AmeriCorps program as a way to get an introduction to the healthcare field. After working in marketing for a couple of years, I realized that this career path wasn’t for me and I wanted to pursue my interest in health care. STICH offered the opportunity to serve at a Community Health Center while providing education to community members and encouraging them to be advocates…