Spotlight on: Patricia Moreno, public health champion in communities across Fairfax for 20+ years

When most people think of public health, they may conjure images of doctors and nurses or vials of vaccine.

But in reality, the core - or, the heartbeat - of public health is more likely to be found in neighborhoods and community events around Fairfax County, embodied within your neighbors, friends, and colleagues.

Patricia Moreno is an example of an everyday person making a vital difference in local public health. During her 20+ years as an outreach worker for Anthem Healthkeepers Plus, she has instructed thousands of people in the region about Medicaid benefits - a complex topic she makes simple through sharing information in language and in culture. These conversations are as likely to occur in a backyard or in a parking lot as they are on the phone or in an office. 

"Meeting people where they are is what we do in public health. Whether I am at a neighborhood event providing education about Medicaid benefits, or helping at a local food distribution, each moment has endless possibilities to help others," said Patricia. 

And those meetings are many. Patricia estimates she has attended more than 60 community events during the past year around the community - on playgrounds, at community centers, at picnics, and more. A native of Colombia and fluent in Spanish, she connects with people in culture, but she maintains, "I am originally from the beautiful world called Earth. Because I strongly believe we are all one."

Patricia also serves as a community advocate on the Health Department's Multicultural Advisory Council where she provides guidance on cultural competency and insight regarding local health needs. 

"No two days are the same and the opportunities to share and receive from our wonderful community are endless," she said.

"Patricia is one of our community's known and respected connectors. On a daily basis, she is combining her wealth of knowledge on social determinants of health and Medicaid with real world experience about motivating people to take positive action with their health. And she does this with an endless smile and true passion for people, always looking for new ways to advocate for others," said Claudia Morcelo, community outreach manager, Fairfax County Health Department.