Aaliyah Zuniga, a senior at Bremen High School in Midlothian, recently participated in an initiative at TCA Health in Dolton. She distributed produce and vegetable plants, along with information on food pantries and assistance programs. This was part of a hands-on program designed for students interested in healthcare careers.
Zuniga expressed her enthusiasm about gaining insights into the medical field. She aspires to work as a nurse with newborns in the future. Her involvement was part of the Cook County Department of Public Health’s Community Healthcare Worker High School Pipeline Program, now in its second year. Zuniga and 18 other students from Bremen High School District 228 underwent training with the Sinai Urban Health Institute in the spring. Following this, eight students engaged in a six-week summer internship running from June 22 through July 31.
Discussing her experiences at the clinic, Zuniga mentioned learning about HIV tests. She highlighted a strong interest in public health and its significance in community improvement. Alongside TCA Health, participants also interned at Arab American Family Services in Worth and Family Christian Health Center in Harvey. The program included hands-on instruction in CPR/AED, first aid, stop the bleed, and trauma-informed care.
Funding for this year’s program came from Bremen School District 228, Cook County Department of Public Health, and the Michael Reese Health Trust. Prior funding from the Centers for Disease Control was not renewed this year. Students from Bremen, Tinley Park, and Hillcrest high schools took part in a public health campaign against vaping, producing a video titled “Ditch the Cloud.” The effort was overseen by Efrat Stein, the Cook County Department of Public Health’s director of public health communications.
Students engaged in production, acting, and speaking roles. Xandria Hair, associate program director at the county health department, emphasized the program’s role in introducing students to public health communication. Hair noted that students could be creators and communicators, shaping messages that resonate with peers.
Participants earned college credit and gained better understanding of public health and related careers. Xandria Hair was impressed by the students’ willingness to explore public health and positively impact their communities. Renee Mack, director of career readiness for District 228, highlighted growing student interest in healthcare, which prompted the district to offer the training and internships. According to Ryan Red, a junior at Bremen High School, the program provided healthcare lessons and professional conduct guidelines. Christopher Roman, a senior from Markham, learned how to handle challenging situations in healthcare settings.
Analy Calderon, a senior from Midlothian, expressed a natural interest in the medical field, driven by her desire to help people.