Lisa Coyle, a name now synonymous with community health in the rural town of Ajo, has officially taken the reins as the County’s first Community Health Worker (CHW) stationed within her own hometown. Her assignment, which commenced on July 22, was made possible through the Health Department’s Vaccine Equity Program. According to a statement obtained by Pima County Newsroom, Coyle expressed that it was a "blessing" to have the opportunity to directly aid those she grew up with.
Splitting her time across various local venues like the Desert Senita Community Health Center, Ajo-Salazar Library, and Parks & Recreation’s community centers, Coyle aims to not only just easily connect residents to healthcare but also serve the community through information and resource sharing. Coyle highlighted her role in practically assisting locals, from arranging safe sleeping spaces for children to facilitating transport for medical appointments, to exemplify the tangible benefits of her role in a town where healthcare resources can be scarce.
The reach of her work extends well beyond immediate health needs. As Coyle mentioned in her introduction to the community, she's hands-on with spreading awareness about illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and the lasting impacts of long COVID-19. Her participation in the local food pantry demonstrates a commitment to more than just the clinical aspects of health; Coyle is looking to address the broader social determinants that contribute to community wellness. Community Health Workers like her represent a critical bridge, connecting individuals with the services they might otherwise overlook or find inaccessible.
On the first Friday and third Wednesday of every month, Coyle will also be on hand at outreach events in front of the Ajo Salazar Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as per the Pima County press release. Here, she'll not only provide services and resources but also strive to empower individuals, helping them to "be a better version of themselves," as she put it. Whether it's about getting food, diapers for babies, or navigating the complexities of insurance, Coyle is poised to be a steady guiding force in Ajo’s health landscape for the foreseeable future.
Coyle's long-term commitment to her community is evident, and she plans on staying in this role for several years. "Being a CHW is important to me because I love helping people be a better version of themselves and spreading awareness of illness and how to stay healthy,” Coyle told the Pima County Newsroom.
