Nourishing health

Three caregivers at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center sought ways to share their professional skills and knowledge with members of the Latinx community in Friday Harbor, Washington. 

Imaging supervisor Emelda Perez, mammography technologist Jenny Farler and dietitian Kristen Rezabek teamed up to offer an array of opportunities to serve the residents. 

Mammography clinic

Emelda and Jenny spread the word to Latinx residents about a breast cancer screening clinic. It’s an important outreach as breast cancer in women with that background is often caught later than in non-Hispanic white women, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Lack of access to mammography has been one reason. 

The pair explained to patients what to expect during a mammography exam. Their efforts to encourage attendance paid off. Many people came to the clinic who had never had a mammogram.  

Jack Estrada, chief administrative officer at PeaceHealth Peace Island, said, “Jenny and Emelda met each patient face to face (at the screening clinic). They comforted them, held their hands and reassured them they would be safe.”

Three-course dinner

Kristen offered her own expertise as health and nutrition coordinator for San Juan Health and Community Services. She helps bring healthy, culturally appropriate foods to the island’s family resource center and local food bank. 

She also works with the Nourish to Flourish Coalition. A health fair for the Latinx community featured a three-course dinner with recipes in Spanish for families to take home. Kristen also arranged to have a dental health van visit to help those who needed oral care. 

“Kristen serves as a critical advocate for vulnerable community members, working to address hunger,” said Estrada.