Meet Sharon Johnson, Our 2019 Community Health Worker Champion

Over the next few weeks, we're interviewing our 2019 “Champion for Change” winners to learn more about them and the work they do in Hamilton County. Today, we're highlighting Sharon Johnson, our Community Health Worker Champion, from Healthy Moms & Babes.

Why is reducing infant mortality important to you?

Every baby should make it through their first year of life. Often my clients struggle feeling heard, and I want to be an advocate for my clients. I had a client that had a baby who was in the NICU. The baby was released earlier than expected and passed away. My passion is being out there fighting for these moms and listening to them. They know their kids the best and we will go to someone who will listen. We have to look out for the babies as they cannot speak for themselves.

How did you get started in this field?

I started out as a medical assistant at Crossroads Health Center for almost 2 years. I noticed that at the clinic, moms needed more assistance than kids. Unfortunately, I was unable to provide resources to them in my position because I didn’t know what was available in the city. While working there, I met a community health worker for the first time.   One of the community health workers said that I worked well with clients, and asked me if I ever considered being one.  I didn’t know much about the profession, but I was introduced to (Health Care Access Now (HCAN).

What was your training process to become a community health worker?

The training was fast paced! The program is normally a two year program, but I completed that much material in 9 months. I trained at North Central State. I would go there for a week and a half, come home and do homework, and then return for testing and finals.  

What’s a typical day like for you?

Typically I have 32-40 clients at a given time. Basically my day consists of putting out fires. I turn my phone on in the morning and usually have a couple messages from clients about issues or things needed. Every day is different; I do a little bit of everything! I support my clients by attending doctor’s appointments, connecting them with mental health counseling and providing resources for social needs like food assistance and Medicaid.

What do you like most about your job?

The part I like most about my job is seeing the changes.  I try to teach my clients to look outside of their current situation to see something different. I was a teenage parent so I know that it can be difficult and I give them that encouragement that I know was helpful for me. I try to let them know about their options whether it is a GED, working, etc. and how to deal with the system. One aspect I think is super important is relationship counseling with fathers. I invite him to sit in on our sessions. I actually prefer when it is couples because they both have the knowledge.

What is the hardest topic for you to address in your job?

The hardest thing to discuss with clients is domestic violence. I have had incidences where I have thought there was possible domestic violence happening, but when asked my clients would never answer that it was going on. As soon as I leave others would reach out to me and share that they thought it was happening.

How do you address safe sleep?

Moms are actually very receptive of the topic. They like to have materials to look at and that demonstrate what a safe sleep environment looks like. When they have questions, I can go back to the diagrams and show them how it is best for their child to be on their back. I stress safe sleep in the very beginning when we start, couple weeks before they deliver and after they get home we review again. The hardest challenge with safe sleep are grandparents. They are often stuck on the older habits of safe sleep and it is harder to get the message across to them.

How do you take care of yourself when you work in such a demanding job field?

When I first started five years ago, it was very difficult. I would take home all of the issues my clients were experiencing. Soon I realized that I can only accomplish what I can when I am in the home and I have to hope they take my advice. I turn my phone off around 6:30 pm and relax! It is important for me to remember that I am human and have a household and a family and take care of as well.

What are some next steps for you in reducing infant mortality in Hamilton County?

I am continuing to be an advocate for moms and stressing safe sleep. One thing I would like to see more of are mom-dad-baby sessions. I feel like it is the most impactful when I can bring moms and dads together. A healthy family equals a healthy baby. It allows for all involved to be educated, appreciated, and be able to have their questions answered.  Recently I had a session with a mom, dad, and their other children involved.  They all wanted to hear what I was saying to mom, and dad could jump in and share his experience or ask questions.

The job we do is very necessary.  I wish we had this stuff around when I had children. It is an excellent program that allows moms to have someone to talk to and feel supported and worthy. I love the relationships I have built and the concern the ladies have for me and my well-being.  They are listening and I make them feel appreciated.