Meet the H2N Team: Olga Meza
Olga Meza
H2N Liaison/Community Coordinator
Why did you get involved with H2N?
As a Hispanic Advocate and Community Health Worker with Wood County health Department, I wanted to incorporate this program with the work I already do and extend the parameter further than just Wood County Jurisdiction.
What changes have you seen in the type of work H2N does since joining?
They are always open to new ideas and feedback from team members and improving in marketing clinics for the vulnerable communities by partnering up with Wood County Health Department and other organizations.
What is the most rewarding part of working with H2N?
The most rewarding part of working with H2N, I get to meet many diverse people that I am able to related, connect with, and learn from each other’s cultures.
What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part will be limited funds to help us complete our job as far as not having enough vaccines can make this a challenge in many of our clinics we host.
What persistent obstacles have you noticed during your work with H2N?
During this pandemic, we continue to do outreach to vulnerable communities by word of mouth or going door to door to businesses and surrounding farms to communicate information about clinics we host and other resources available. Living in a rural area without having appropriate telecommunications such as a radio station, news channel and newspaper in their language, makes it very difficult to reach vulnerable communities.
If you are still considering a career path, has the work you’ve done with H2N impacted what you want to do in the future?
Yes, I really enjoy working with H2N and the team. I love working with different ethnic groups and making them feel they are not alone and I share my story that I too once was in their shoes and I wished H2N were available or community health workers we could relate to and no language barrier.
What role do you see for organizations like H2N in the future of public health in this country?
H2N will be a successful organization for our people and our future because we assist in more than COVID related areas, such as other resources helping refugees or domestic violence victims with shelter, food, health assistance. H2N offers great programs for minority students who are interested in a career in medicine and these students volunteer in clinics we host learning firsthand experience.
I am honored to be a part of a great organization that focuses to assist vulnerable people especially those with language barriers and this is the most rewarding part of my job.