New Community Health Worker Program at UNM-Taos: A Game Changer in Public Health
The innovative UNM-Taos Community Health Worker Program represents an opportunity, offering a pathway for individuals to pursue careers in public health while making a real difference in the lives of others. With Juliana Anastasoff at the helm—adjunct faculty at UNMTaos—the UNM-Taos program is poised to reach new heights, transforming the landscape of healthcare in New Mexico and inspiring future generations of community health workers.
The UNM-Taos Community Health Worker Program, pioneered in 2010, was conceived in response to the pressing need to certify community health workers in the state. Community health workers, often hailed as frontline public health workers, play a pivotal role in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps between health systems, nonprofit organizations, and the communities they serve. Juliana’s extensive background, spanning over four decades in healthcare, culminated in the development of this groundbreaking program.
What sets the UNM-Taos program apart is its comprehensive curriculum, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of public health. The program’s success lies in its hands-on, experiential learning approach, which allows students to immerse themselves in real-world scenarios and gain practical insights into the challenges and opportunities essential in community health work.
“Folks complete a series of six courses that are basically designed as workshops. We’re together all day, which allows for the kind of hands-on experiential learning that we do,” Julianna said. “All faculty practice the skills that they teach at an advanced practice level. And that doesn’t happen in a lot of places. I think sometimes there’s a bias around college. Community colleges were created to make higher education accessible to working people.”
Community health workers are, essentially, a strategy for achieving health equity where communities can balance the playing field so everybody has the same shot at the same opportunity. Community health workers go out into their towns whether it’s street outreach, working in the school-based health clinics, or working at nonprofits or organizations. They provide assistance such as health information, helping people access services, or helping someone understand how a process works.
“Community colleges were created to make higher education accessible to working people.”
So, what kind of person might be a good fit to become a community health worker? Who is that person who can be a healthcare bridge? Who can be that trusted advisor? An influencer. A leader. An advocate. A natural helper. Someone who shows up with Grandma at the community health clinic with a list of questions.
An example of such an individual is Doris Mae Sandoval, nestled within the serene landscapes of Peñasco. Rooted in the values instilled by her parents—faith, respect, and hard work—Doris embodies a spirit of service and dedication to her community.
Doris’ passion for her community is undeniable as she discussed the various initiatives under the umbrella of her nonprofit organization. From the Reuse Center, where community members can access essential items free of charge, to Art for the Heart, a creative haven led by local senior ladies, Doris’ endeavors are as diverse as they are impactful. Additionally, programs like the Food Bank and the Peñasco Theater Collective emphasize her commitment to addressing the varied needs of the Picuris-Peñasco community.
At the heart of Doris’ mission lies the
MAS Comunidad/SPOT office—a hub for Strengthening Pride, Optimism, and Trust. Through this initiative, Doris works to bridge the gap between her isolated community and the resources available in Taos County. Her tireless advocacy and collaborative efforts have resulted in tangible outcomes, with the SPOT office now serving over 500 clients.
The Community Health Worker program’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, with graduates poised to make meaningful contributions in their communities. Armed with a deep understanding of the 10 core competencies established by the state, graduates are eligible to apply for certification as community health workers.
Graduates can go on to become public health educators or work in other areas of public health. They can go into social services and social work or even the mental health aspects of it. Some people go into clinical work; they’ll move from community health worker into the UNM-Taos Nursing Program.
No matter in which direction a graduate goes, what the seasoned, experienced faculty teaches helps them to provide better, more informed healthcare and better access for their friends, neighbors, and community as a whole.
When thinking about her decision to seek a new career, Doris offered sage advice to aspiring students: “You are never too old to pursue a second career fueled by passion. Use your education to make a difference in your community and together, we can create a better world.”