Linda Reyes is a Community Health Worker (CHW) with WIN Network: Detroit, a lifelong Detroiter, mother, and grandmother. As a Community Health Worker, Linda helps women who are pregnant navigate their emotional, physical, and social needs. She guides women to the resources they need for themselves and their growing families, and works with a Certified Nurse Midwife to ensure her patients are prepared for birth and baby.

How long have you been a CHW?

I have been a CHW for over 10 years. I have always been active in the City of Detroit assisting families or individuals with resources for shelter, health, work, training, food, etc.

What is your favorite memory as a CHW?

My favorite memory as a CHW is just seeing the mothers after they have their babies at the hospital, or seeing them at home when I visit. I see them with their baby in their arms, it’s such a beautiful sight to see. It’s especially memorable if other family members are present, I love seeing siblings interact with their mom and the new baby.

What is your favorite topic to cover in group prenatal care?

My favorite session is session 2 – food and nutrition. Our famous Chef Julie from Henry Ford Health System comes and gives a food demonstration and makes turkey tacos. They are delicious!

What is the biggest challenge you face as a Community Health Worker?

Scheduling home visits is always a challenge for me as a CHW. Everyone has busy schedules, it can be hard to find a time for mom to meet, but it all comes together.

Why is it important for a mom to have Community Health Worker support during pregnancy?

It’s important for a mom to have someone to assist with the little things in life that can consume you and stress you out. For example, moms need help with following up with resources, changing and activating their insurance, getting information about WIC, all the things that need to be done in order to continue with care. A lot of women need to know of the resources that are out there for them, especially moms who don’t know that they qualify for programs that can help them.

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