Dhiona Carter Jaramillo

University of Denver - 2024

Communicating more information about mental health to immigrant communities.

Major: Biochemistry

Minors: Biology, Human Health Systems and Sciences, and Medical Physics

Project: The health disparity crisis is in full effect as more individuals migrate to Colorado. It is extremely difficult for them to find access to healthcare, most times they do not have equitable access lin comparison to their neighbors. Through my work with the free clinic in Aurora, CO known as the D.A.W.N. Clinic, I have worked to assess the disparities in health care and have attempted to reduce the disparities. Through being a care coordinator at the clinic, I have assisted over 300 patients within the past 4 years gain access to free healthcare and register for other benefits including housing, transportation, food, and mental health benefits. I also do work with Red Equity to plan events to distribute period products at no cost! We distribute period packages all across the United States to help provide equal access to these products and gear towards eradicating the Pink Tax.

 

Inspiration: I come from a family of immigrants and I admire the sacrifices they make to build a life in the U.S. so their children can attend better schools and have larger accessibility to resources and opportunities, in comparison to what they might have had in their country of origin. The difficulties of securing jobs and houses, facing cultural and language barriers, and accessing services are not easy tasks to face, it is inspiring to me that my family and others have overcome those (and more) challenges.

 

Future Plans: I plan on attending Physician Assistant school to tackle this issue further. I am excited to change how people are affected by healthcare systems and help create an environment that provides equal healthcare for all.