We’re excited to welcome Citlali (pronounced Sit-LAH-lee) to our staff as a Spanish bilingual Enrollment Specialist! With her background in public health and Latin American Studies, and her deep commitment to helping others, Citlali is an invaluable addition to our organization.
Citlali’s Journey into Public Health
Citlali began her academic journey at Wayne State University, initially focusing on nursing. However, her interest in public health quickly grew as she explored how factors like environment, genetics, and nutrition influence health. She became particularly passionate about addressing the challenges faced by Latin American immigrant communities, especially the barriers that prevent them from achieving better health outcomes.
A Focus on Better Health Outcomes in Latin American Communities
One area that caught Citlali’s attention was diabetes, a disease that disproportionately affects Latin American communities due to a combination of genetic and socioeconomic factors. Motivated to make a difference, Citlali focused on overcoming language barriers to help Spanish speakers learn how to prevent and manage diabetes. Through her dual focus on Public Health and Latin American Studies, Citlali not only improved her own understanding of these critical issues but also recognized her potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those she cares about.
Experience in Long-Term Healthcare
Citlali also brings valuable experience from her time in long-term healthcare. While working in a facility, she witnessed firsthand the stark differences in health outcomes between patients with health insurance and those without. Many patients delayed seeking care until they faced a health emergency or debilitating condition due to the lack of insurance. Some were even discharged before completing their treatment due to insurance limitations or financial constraints.
Joining the Washtenaw Health Project
Given her diverse experiences and dedication to public health, it’s no surprise that Citlali was drawn to our work at the Washtenaw Health Project. She is eager to use her skills to assist Latin American communities and anyone else who needs help navigating the complex world of health coverage.
Citlali’s Role as an Enrollment Specialist
As an Enrollment Specialist, Citlali will work closely with clients to determine their eligibility for the Washtenaw Health Plan, Medicaid benefits, and Marketplace/HealthCare.gov plans. She will guide individuals and families through the enrollment process, ensuring they choose the right health plan and receive any available financial assistance. Additionally, she’ll connect clients with other vital health services in our community.
Citlali has already made a wonderful impression during her first weeks here, seamlessly integrating into our team. We are thrilled to have her with us and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our community.
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you know needs help with health coverage, we’re here to help. We offer in-person assistance in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic, with telephone translation services available in over 200 languages. Call us at 734-544-3030, email your questions to whp@washtenaw.org, or come to our office at 555 Towner Street in Ypsilanti Monday–Friday, 9:00am–12:00pm and 1:00–4:00pm.
¡Podemos ayudar!