CHC Member Melissa Rothman Receives Governor's Volunteer Service Award

Chicago Health Corps member Melissa Rothman was presented with a Governor's Volunteer Service Award for her service with Erie Family Health Center on April 18, 2013.  Governor Pat Quinn and the Serve Illinois Commission presented 23 Illinoisans and 5 businesses with the Governor's Volunteer Service Award during a special reception at the Executive Mansion in Springfield, Illinois.  The award recognizes volunteers that have made a profound difference in Illinois.

As a CHC member, Melissa serves at Erie Family Health Center, in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, in their Health Education and Promotions Department. She is involved in a variety of the health center's programs, but spends most of her service teaching diabetes education classes, co-facilitating prenatal care groups, and coordinating and teaching nutrition/healthy living classes.

"Melissa is a member who does extraordinary service and she is someone who exemplifies humanitarianism. Her approach with every patient is compassionate and is loaded with resources for patients," writes Dulce Quintero, Adult Care Coordinator and Melissa's Host Site Supervisor.  Dulce Quintero nominated Melissa in the individual award category for the Northeast region.  

Melissa's service has contributed to Erie's health promotion program retention rate in patient care.  Her community outreach has ensured that people have access to information, ongoing resources and are linked to health care services. She has helped promote wellness across the West side of Chicago and the materials she has created are accessible, informative and innovative.

"The overall impact of her services has been her approach, dedication and humbleness. She is someone who is determined to provide access to care to people who need it the most by connecting them to Erie Family Health services," states Quintero. 

Everyone at Chicago Health Corps congratulates Melissa Rothman for her accomplishments and recognition of exemplary service!