Meet Daisy Cruz, Your Community Health Worker at McKenzie River Clinic
At Orchid Health, we believe in community-centered care, and a key part of this vision is the work of our Community Health Workers (CHWs). Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Daisy Cruz, the dedicated CHW serving the McKenzie River area. In this interview, Daisy shares her journey, her passion for helping the community, and the vital role she plays in connecting residents to essential health resources.
What inspired you to become a Community Health Worker, and how did you start your journey in this field?
Coming from hard-working, humble parents, the desire to contribute positively to my community runs in my blood. I have always had the motivation to help my family and friends succeed within their health journey and in life in general. As I began my journey on the McKenzie, I was moved by the camaraderie and developed a newfound love for this community. This inspired me to find ways to help my growing community. Through Orchid, I have been given the opportunity to do that as an advocate for our patients and the community as a whole.
Can you explain what a Community Health Worker does and how you assist residents in the McKenzie River area?
Community Health Workers (CHWs) build trusting relationships with patients and families, connecting them to resources, care, and support while advocating for systemic changes and reducing barriers along the way. Operating from a patient-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach, I promote whole-person care and play a central role in addressing clinical and community integration as well as the social determinants of health.
What are some of the most common challenges that residents in the McKenzie River area face when navigating the healthcare system?
The most common challenges that residents in this area face are local resources. As much as we try to localize resources such as nutritious food, dental care, and eye care, the need for transportation, financial assistance, elderly care, and much more still exists today. In order for many of these resources to be brought to our community, such as transportation, local and county organizations require more volunteers willing to commute to and within this rural community. However, regardless of the barriers, my team and I continue our efforts every day by building relationships with local partners, as well as state and county organizations, to localize as many resources as we can. The more involved CHWs are in the community, the more effective the connections between the community and the healthcare system can become.
How do you help patients manage their health insurance, including Medicaid and other programs?
As a Certified Assister through Oregon Health Plan and Marketplace, I have efficient and effective access to these programs. I have the tools to help OHP and Marketplace members access their programs hassle-free. I am also qualified to assist with educating, applications, navigating, and advocating through the systems. When it comes to Medicare and Social Security, I am prepared with supportive services to guide and connect members to the appropriate and trusted resources.
What kind of services and resources do you connect your patients with? Can you give some examples?
I offer a wide range of services and resources to support our patients comprehensively. My assistance includes food resources, transportation coordination for medical appointments, and housing support, including emergency housing and shelter information. I provide financial aid resources for utilities, internet, phone services, prescription costs, rental assistance, and emergency financial needs. Services extend to Medicaid applications, Oregon Marketplace navigation, and insurance plan adjustments. I can also help with benefit programs such as SNAP, TANF, WIC, and Health-related Flex Funding. Additionally, I am equipped to bridge childcare assistance, connect patients with parenting courses and support groups, and coordinate specialty and dental care appointments if needed. Furthermore, I provide access to health screenings, such as mammograms and cervical cancer screenings, and assist in navigating processes for handicap placards. I also connect patients with local organizations for low-income services and serve as a liaison with community partners, while providing education on social and financial programs.
What do you enjoy most about working as a Community Health Worker in the McKenzie River area?
I enjoy meeting new people and strengthening the relationships that are already established. I also really enjoy being able to provide peace of mind and relief to our patients.
Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your time working in the McKenzie River community?
During my time here, I have encountered so many shared success stories, but what stays embedded in my memories is when I am able to successfully provide the financial means to save a home.
What do you find most rewarding about your role in the community?
The individuals I meet with experience various challenges within their lives. We work on building a plan to tackle these challenges, and as I advocate through the systems alongside them, I truly push for the best possible outcome. It isn't until we reach that point of success that I feel I have served them right. Seeing the relief on their faces is what’s truly rewarding.
How do you build trust and relationships with the residents you serve?
I build trust and relationships with the residents I serve just by being my silly self. I love building rapport with our people and am genuine in my interactions. I think people can detect the realness in me. The more interactions we have and the more hurdles we tackle together, the more we build a trusting and healthy relationship.
Conclusion
Daisy Cruz plays a pivotal role in helping the McKenzie River community overcome barriers to healthcare and access the resources they need to thrive. Her deep connections within the community and dedication to patient centered care make her an essential part of the Orchid Health team. If you or someone you know could benefit from her services, reach out to Orchid Health McKenzie River Clinic today. Together, we can ensure better health outcomes for all.
For more information on how our Community Health Workers like Daisy can assist you, please visit Orchid Health.