Lorena Sanchez

CHW, Austin Public Health
Representing: City of Austin, Austin Public Health
Envision CHW council

A core belief for Lorena is that a CHW needs to have passion to help the people in their community.  Her community is in Austin, Texas where she and her husband immigrated to in 1995, raised their three children, and still live today. Joining a March of Dimes program (Starting Well / Comenzando Bien) shortly after her second son was born launched her journey in community health when she quickly became a Spanish language facilitator for the program.  By 1999 she had also received her GED having learned English as a second language.

 Her work with the El Buen Samaritano): Promotora / Community Health Worker group was recognized by the State Health Department Director leading to Lorena being a part of the first group of certified CHWs in the state of Texas in 2003.

 In January 2020 Lorena was hired by Austin Public Health as a CHW where she currently works.

Areas of Expertise: Planning and organizing, Community and family environmental conditions in Eastern Crescent, Interviewing techniques, Case management, Cultural and linguistic competency, Bilingual, Community Organizing and Advocacy , COVID-19 Response and Resource Referral, support groups facilitation, planning & leading classes