Aurelia Gordillo is a Community Health Worker for Esperanza Health Centers, a Wellness West partner. She was raised on the Southwest Side of Chicago and earned a B.S. in Health Sciences.
Not too long ago, during a routine check-in with a patient, Aurelia sensed that something was very different in the patient’s tone of voice. There was a sadness that hadn’t presented before. Aurelia probed. The patient shared that she was exhausted; that she felt more alone than usual; that she had been thinking about the abuse she suffered as a child. Aurelia initiated a PHQ-9 depression screening and connected her with a same day behavioral health provider for a safety assessment.
Thanks to Aurelia, the patient is now engaged with a behavioral health counselor and doing great. Thank You, Aurelia!