“There are so many health inequities and barriers that exist. The more we address them, the better we can provide necessary help to community members.” Heather Phan, Community Health Worker

Heather is a second-generation Vietnamese immigrant, born to parents who fled war hoping for a more stable life in the United States. Growing up, Heather watched her parents and grandparents struggle to overcome many barriers to accessing health care. Many of these barriers felt insurmountable and were exasperated by social and cultural isolation.

Heather’s formative years inspired her drive to advocate for her community. Being able to help her community members overcome language and cultural barriers gave her a sense of purpose and meaning as she sought to find her unique place in the world.

“When you can relate to community members, they feel heard and understood. This can help give them the confidence and the autonomy they may need to make decisions.”

Heather received a bachelor’s degree in public health policy at the University of California, Irvine. Throughout her undergraduate career, she became a certified peer health educator through the NASPA course and a volunteer and assistant for the Center for Student Wellness & Health Promotion office. She offered health services and education to peers on campus through various events, presentations, and office visits. Today, Heather works as a Community Health Worker focusing on the local Vietnamese community. 

Heather recently worked with WellShare on the CAHPS program led by Program Manager Faiza Hassan and made possible through our partnership with Health Partners. CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey) is conducted every year to help ensure that members are aware of the plan resources and the preventive care that is recommended. Heather supported the program team through outreach to ensure each client was aware of the full spectrum of their health benefits and was taking advantage of their health plan resources. 

“To me, community health work is important because informed health behavior decision-making makes a world of difference for individuals.” 

Heather recognizes community health work as critical to bridge the gaps in service provision in meeting each client where they are at. We look forward to our continued partnerships with Heather and Health Partners.