As a Health Educator with the Sacramento County Public Health, Health and Racial Equity Unit, MCHES® Vanessa Cummings’ role is to ensure that our community receives accurate and accessible health information. With a focus on leveraging her expertise to address systemic disparities, Vanessa offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of public health education and communication.
"The Health and Racial Equity Unit was established in April 2022 after the Board of Supervisors declared Racism as A Public Health Crisis in November 2020,” Vanessa explains, “and since then, we've been dedicated to addressing health disparities associated with vaccine equity and beyond."
Vanessa's responsibilities extend from developing educational materials and managing social media content creation to actively engaging with the community. "I create materials that include our land and labor acknowledgment and welcome statements for presentations and community interactions," she says. "Additionally, I manage our social media presence, ensuring that our messages are reaching our diverse audience effectively."
Beyond digital platforms, Vanessa actively participates in community events and facilitates discussions on health and racial equity topics. "I attend city council meetings and cultural celebrations to connect with different communities to gain a better understanding of their needs," she shares. "One of my projects is facilitating Health and Racial Equity ‘Power Hour,’ where staff can engage in discussions about various equity topics and foster a more inclusive workplace environment."
Reflecting on her decision to pursue the MCHES® certification, Vanessa emphasizes the transformative impact it has had on her professional journey. "As a first-generation college graduate, obtaining my master's degree and MCHES® certification opened doors that I didn't know were even possible," she reflects. "It helps me stay aligned with my goals and provides me with a specialized lens to approach public health education with cultural humility and awareness."
Vanessa also highlights the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the field of health education. "The MCHES® certification and continuing education it entails keeps me aligned with the ever-evolving landscape of public health," she notes. "It challenges me to push myself and stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in health education and promotion."
Currently, Vanessa serves as a panelist on the ongoing Health Education Practice Analysis III (HESPA III), where she works with other CHES® and MCHES® in different job settings across the country to define the contemporary practice and competencies of health education specialists in the field. The results of the study will form the basis for future iterations of the CHES® and MCHES® certification examinations.
Looking ahead, Vanessa envisions continued momentum and progress in her role, driven by a dedicated team and a commitment to community engagement. "We have a dedicated equity team, and there's palpable energy and willingness to affect change within our county," she says optimistically. "Through ongoing needs assessments, trainings, and community engagement efforts, we aim to address systemic inequities and disparities and advance health equity in our community."
Vanessa's professional work serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the crucial role of CHES® and MCHES® in driving positive change and promoting health equity. As she continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of public health, Vanessa remains steadfast in her commitment to serving her community and advocating for a more just and equitable future.
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