April 11, 2025
Media Contact: Kristy Fowler, [email protected]
Community Health Workers Make an Impact for Public Health
Chesterfield Health District celebrates National Public Health Week
CHESTERFIELD, Va.– As the Chesterfield Health Department reflects on National Public Health Week, it celebrates the incredible work of its staff, particularly the Community Health Workers (CHWs). This year, the department highlights two staff members: Elena Cupeles and Martha Garcia.
Pregnancy can be stressful, especially with a high-risk diagnosis like Down syndrome. One local mother, distraught after receiving these test results while her husband was overseas, turned to the Chesterfield Health Department for support. CHWs Cupeles and Garcia stepped in, providing emotional guidance and assistance in accessing local resources. They even delivered baby supplies to her home and maintained their support as she navigated her challenges.
Despite hope that the test results were incorrect, the diagnosis was confirmed after the birth. The baby did in fact have Down syndrome. “We helped her accept the diagnosis no matter what,” Garcia said. The mother brought her newborn to introduce her to Cupeles and Garcia, leading to a joyful reunion. The baby is healthy, and the family continues to receive support through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
Cupeles has also maintained a close relationship with another mother she supported three years ago. Mom was so fond of Cupeles that she invited her to be present at the child’s birth. As a surprise, the mother later revealed that she had named her baby after Cupeles.
“It’s an honor I don’t take lightly,” Cupeles said, reflecting on the strong bonds CHWs create with families in need.
The Population Health department within the Chesterfield Health District is where people can request help through the CHW program. For more information about this unique program, visit ChesterfieldVa.health and click on Community Needs.
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