Emerging health practitioner Emman Parian underscores the significance of robust alliances in the realm of public health.
In the heart of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of its community. At the helm of CHCC's immunization program is Emman Parian, a dedicated public health professional who has made significant strides in strengthening the program and building trust within the community.
Parian's journey began as a student intern at CHCC in 2018. His work supporting community members with hypertension identification and control sparked a passion for public health, leading him to his current role as the Immunization Program Manager.
Parian's leadership approach resonates with his team, encouraging open discussions and taking both positive and negative feedback into consideration. This collaborative approach has fostered a familial culture within CHCC, with team members taking care of each other.
CHCC's expanded and improved partnerships and collaborations have made CNMI better prepared to respond to future public health emergencies. Parian's team works with various organizations, including school systems, government agencies, private businesses, other Pacific Island jurisdictions, national partners like ASTHO and the Association of Immunization Managers, and local health departments, community leaders, schools, and international health organizations.
One of the key challenges in CNMI is its geography, consisting of 14 islands with three populated islands (Saipan, Tinian, and Rota). Outreach is a key strategy for increasing access in CNMI, with Parian's team regularly conducting outreach events in villages, schools, health programs, community centers, and Saturday clinics.
Post-pandemic, vaccine hesitancy is a concern in CNMI. To build trust, Parian's team is responding by engaging in relationship-building activities and education. The team's efforts have demonstrated success, with participants reporting that Parian's calls helped them manage their blood pressure and inspired changes in their nutrition, medication compliance, and regular clinical visits.
Parian believes that CHCC is well-positioned for future public health success due to its strong teams and partnerships. Off-island partners are encouraged to visit CNMI for a better understanding of the context. Young people in CNMI are increasingly interested in health care careers, finding fulfillment in outreach work.
Strong collaboration and infrastructure are essential for CHCC's success in public health efforts, enabling quick identification of resources, technical assistance, and subject matter experts should a new health crisis emerge. Parian's career advancements include becoming a vaccine specialist, managing storage, handling, and distribution of vaccines, and the vaccine program coordinator overseeing the COVID-19 vaccination program.
Emman Parian's dedication and leadership have undoubtedly strengthened CNMI's public health efforts, positioning the region for continued success in maintaining the health and wellbeing of its community.
Read also:
- Hospital's Enhancement of Outpatient Services Alleviates Emergency Department Strain
- Increased Chikungunya infections in UK travelers prompt mosquito bite caution
- Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister holds discussions on the prevailing circumstances in Almaty
- In the state, Kaiser Permanente boasts the top-ranked health insurance program