New Haven Residents Help Yale Community Battle COVID-19 Pandemic

As its mission states: “Yale Health promotes the health and well-being of every member of the Yale community.” During the past 12 months, we have changed the way we live our lives, the way we work, and the way we think.  While we all have had to adapt, those that carried the heaviest burden are without a doubt the essential frontline workers. During the pandemic, Yale Health lived up to its mission by establishing health and safety protocols and creating a safe and welcoming environment for all patients and staff.

Yale’s New Haven Hiring Initiative (NHHI) worked closely with Yale Health to hire qualified, passionate New Haven residents into newly created lobby screener roles. As vaccines became available, Yale Health established a vaccination site located at Yale Lanman Center and cross-trained some of the new NHHI hires to assist with the vaccination process.

In their role, lobby screeners gather information, provide masks or other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), check temperatures, provide pharmacy curbside service, and promote adherence to established safety protocols for visitors to 55 Lock Street and Lanman Center. Although the team members have various backgrounds and work experience, they all share the most important job requirement – a passion for helping others and supporting our community.

“What I enjoy most about this role is that I help the community stay safe and to an extent, stop the spread of the virus by making sure I follow all protocols and safety measures. I am a lifelong learner and the opportunity to collaborate with other departments adds to my learning experience,” said Abigail Aguilera. “I have built many positive relationships not only with the staff but also with patients. It is a privilege to be working here at Yale Health.”

“Yale Health provides such a diverse and welcoming environment. As a lobby screener, it brings me joy when I help the Hispanic community and provide translation so they can be knowledgeable about all the necessary assistance. It is important to me that our patients feel safe and comfortable at Yale Health. COVID-19 has produced a lot of distress and fear in the community and being able to provide patients with emotional support has been one of the most important aspects of my role,” Abigail added.

Forel Kourouma, who has been in this role since March 2020 through the Yale Temporary Staffing Services, noted, “The Yale Health screening program is exemplary of Yale’s commitment to safety, enhanced healthcare, and involving community members to curb the virus.”

“Being able to work at the vaccination center has been rewarding for me because I can help the community I live in,” emphasized Wanea Taitt, who joined the team a few months ago. “Our safety procedures with double-masking and social distancing allow the staff and the public to feel safe and protected. I am fortunate to be a part of the solution and we all can help our community by getting vaccinated. I did!”

Our New Haven Hiring Initiative team would like to express the deepest gratitude to the lobby screeners and all frontline healthcare workers. Thank you for all you do to keep us healthy and safe!