Humans of NHC: Omolara

Posted on: June 22, 2023Chicago

Where are you from?

I’m from the West Side of Chicago. How I grew up gave me the desire to work with people in general. I have a background of studying psychology, criminal justice, and sociology in college, and now studying PRiS with a concentration in human services.

What is your role?

I am transitioning into the Coordinator, Integrated, Refugee Camp Immigrant role because I enjoy working with the Refugee Health team and want to get more involved! The role I just stepped out of was as a patient support specialist assigned to the Refugee Health team. I would check refugee patients in, help them fill out registration forms, help them get used to the American health system, verify their insurances, and make sure they have it for the next step in their journey (prep work for the team).

What made you decide to work at Tapestry 360 Health?

I have always worked in customer service; Up until a year ago I was working as a retail manager for a large retail corporation. After six years, I decided I needed a change to fit with my career goals. When I first got to Tapestry as a patient support specialist, what drew me in was their mission statement and the fact that they are a FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center). We put our patients’ needs first, no matter background, financial state, or needs. When I started working, I was assigned to the Refugee Health team providers as their PSS. After seeing the work the rest of the team was doing I realized I had grown to love the program and wanted to be more involved, so I chose to apply for the Coordinator, Integrated, Refugee Camp Immigrant opening and was offered the job.

What is the best part about your job?

Being able to make the transition easier for the patients, especially since refugee patients come in knowing nothing about the American health system. Refugee patients often need to adjust to our American standards, and sometimes come in for their appointment hours late. I liked the opportunity to communicate with them and explain how to be on time for appointments.

What are some difficulties you encounter with the patient populations you work with?

Timing and punctuality due to cultural differences and language barriers even with interpretation services are the two biggest ones. I end up emphasizing appointment time, the doctor’s name and location, as well as dates for appointments more with refugee patients than other patients. I make sure I have more patience with the people I meet because I want my communication to be effective so that patients are literate in their health. I want to make sure they fully understand what I am telling them.

How do you partner with AmeriCorps?

Sometimes our providers put on the care notes that they want our patients to see our AmeriCorps health educator, and I make sure to partner with our health educator by letting her know or by asking if our health educator is willing to talk with our patients about some nutrition or education-related topics.

 

About the Author:

Kristina Olsen

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Position Title: Health Educator

Where are you from? Dekalb, Illinois

Why did you decide to join NHC?

National Health Corps stood out because of the practical experience it offered and opportunities for service in the community.  

What are you hoping to gain or learn during your service term?

Host Site

Tapestry 360 Health-Albany Park
3737 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Tapestry 360 Health-Devon
1300 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60660

Tapestry 360 Health - Lakeview
3048 N. Wilton Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Tapestry 360 Health - Lincoln Square
2645 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Tapestry 360 Health - Wilson
845 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640

Tapestry 360 Health - Hibbard Elementary School
4930 N. Sawyer Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Tapestry 360 Health - Senn High School
5900 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60660

Tapestry 360 Health - Kilmer Elementary School
6700 North Greenview Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

Tapestry 360 Health - Sullivan High School
6631 N Bosworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

Tapestry 360 Health - Roosevelt High School
3436 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Tapestry 360 Health - Gale Elementary School
1631 W. Jonquil Terr
Chicago, IL 60626

Tapestry 360 Health-Albany Park
3737 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Tapestry 360 Health-Devon
1300 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60660

Tapestry 360 Health - Lakeview
3048 N. Wilton Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Tapestry 360 Health - Lincoln Square
2645 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Tapestry 360 Health - Wilson
845 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640

Tapestry 360 Health - Hibbard Elementary School
4930 N. Sawyer Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Tapestry 360 Health - Senn High School
5900 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60660

Tapestry 360 Health - Kilmer Elementary School
6700 North Greenview Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

Tapestry 360 Health - Sullivan High School
6631 N Bosworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

Tapestry 360 Health - Roosevelt High School
3436 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Tapestry 360 Health - Gale Elementary School
1631 W. Jonquil Terr
Chicago, IL 60626