Ruth Nwatu
Chicago
Summary
Driven public health professional with 7+ years of experience in healthcare industry, assessing clients' needs and engaging stakeholders. Decisive problem-solver with evidence-based practices and strategic policy development experience. In-depth knowledge of policy analysis, health insurance issues, program management, and addressing social determinants of health. Outstanding analytical, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Dedicated to advancing health equity though policy change.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Engagement Coordinator
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
10.2023 - Current
- Developed a framework to provide insight into the current operation of doula services in the United States by analyzing approved legislative bills about Medicaid reimbursement and assess trends in authorization requirements and policies for operation within the Medicaid system
- Assisted in strategic planning by developing action plans for short-term objectives to foster collaboration in the development of an internal and external health disparities dashboard
- Coordinated the development of a health literacy assessment for North Dakota youths to promote primary health information, advance preventative knowledge, and health literacy
- Assessed state approaches to covering community health worker (CHWs) services by analyzing Medicaid State Plan Amendments (SPA) and identifying trends in program coverage to support the development of a CHW program in North Dakota
- Developed a framework for understanding existing Medicaid CHWs policies and program requirements across the United States to support the North Dakota CHW task force efforts to develop a data-driven CHW plan and propose a Medicaid SPA and administrative requirements
- Managed and coordinated the publication of the community engagement newsletter and virtual educational webinars by working with subject matter experts to increase awareness of public health issues and provide opportunities for collaboration with internal and external partners
- Managed a nine-module health equity training series by troubleshooting and resolving identified issues, providing technical assistance to participants, reviewing changes, and renewing continuing education credit applications for each course
- Strengthened relationships with local organizations through regular communication and collaboration on projects
- Coordinated cross-functional collaborations between different departments within the organization enabling a cohesive approach towards achieving common goals related to community development
- Developed comprehensive reports for senior management detailing project progress, achievements, challenges faced, and recommendations for future improvements
- Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services
- Provided technical assistance to pediatricians training other healthcare providers to increase awareness of postpartum depression screening and practices in clinical settings
Public Health Associate
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
10.2021 - 10.2023
- Assigned to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (ND DHHS)
- Assisted in the development and implementation of a nine-module health equity training series by developing content for the training, applying for continuing education credits for Physicians and Nurses, and managing the launch of the training series to increase awareness of health equity topics in underserved communities
- Coordinated outreach efforts to underserved populations, increasing access to vital health services and resources
- Developed strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders, leveraging shared expertise to advance common goals in public health advancement
- Trained healthcare providers on best practices for postpartum depression screening at well-child visit to improve health outcomes among new mothers and infants
- Provided technical assistance to healthcare providers and organizations to improve health education services
- Coordinated continuing education webinar for health professionals in North Dakota to promote a quality collaborative community, provide strategies to address existing health equity challenges, and foster growth and continuous learning
- Created and conducted a needs assessment tool to identify organizational gaps and measure the progress of Syringe Service Programs in North Dakota
- Designed evidence-based sexual health education material for parents and caregivers in North Dakota to improve parent-child communication, engagement, and support
- Led a health literacy task force responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating a health literacy assessment tool for North Dakota youths
- Managed a newsletter planning committee with department interns responsible for creating quarterly health information articles, highlighting community collaboration and training opportunities, and increasing awareness of health issues in North Dakota
- Developed a Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP) that serves as a guidance document for department staff to ensure meaningful access for individuals with Limited English Proficiency to department programs and services
- Provided technical assistance to local partners interested in starting a Needle Exchange Program (NEP) in their community by informing them about state legislation for NEPs and ND DHHS authorization requirements
Pharmacy Technician
CVS Pharmacy
08.2016 - 10.2021
- Accepted, interpreted, filled, and sold prescriptions under the supervision of a registered pharmacist
- Assisted with inventory management, documentation and record keeping
- Adhered to strict patient confidentiality and HIPAA regulations
- Provided friendly customer service to patients at prescription drop-off and pick-up counter
- Assisted customers by answering non-medical questions, locating OTC items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information
- Trained new employees in pharmacy daily operations
- Contacted health insurance providers to verify patient eligibility and obtain new insurance information
- Consulted with health insurance company representatives to complete claims processing, resolve concerns, and reconcile payments
- Supported inventory management initiatives through accurate record-keeping of received shipments and expired medications for disposal purposes
- Contributed to the reduction of prescription wait times by promptly addressing refill requests and insurance authorizations
- Communicated with prescribers to verify prescription information and ensure that patients receive the proper medication in a timely manner
Community Advisor
Augustana College, Residential Life
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Counseled and advised 40 second year students on academic and personal questions
- Collaborated with faculty and other Community Advisor's to organize a multicultural and social program for 100+ residents
- Planned and implemented educational programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and communication competency
- Acted as first responder to various crisis situations and facilitated peer-to-peer conflict resolution
- Managed various administrative duties including maintenance request, incident reports, and room transfers
- Implemented and enforced college policy while providing a safe and fun environment for all residents
- Evaluated program effectiveness using feedback from residents, adjusting future events based on their suggestions for improvement
Student Intern
Quad Cities Harm Reduction
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Participated in community outreach to promote harm reduction services
- Distributed and trained 50 people to administer Narcan in case of a drug overdose
- Presented a health initiative to the Rock Island and Scott County Sheriff's Department that would allow inmates to receive Narcan post-release
- Collected and processed substance abuse data into an online database to keep track of supply inventory and naloxone overdose reversals
- Collaborated with local businesses to help increase Narcan distribution in the community and advance health equity
- Enhanced customer relations by resolving inquiries quickly, handling complaints professionally, and providing exceptional service throughout the internship period
- Prepared project presentations and reports to assist senior staff
Education
Masters in Public Health - Health Policy And Management
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA05.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Public Health and Neuroscience
Augustana College
01.2020
Skills
- Communication: Technical writing, public speaking, and listening
- Program Planning: Strategic planning, data analysis, resource identification, and program evaluation
- Project Management: Leadership, collaboration, problem solving, and critical thinking
International Experience
Guatemala Study Abroad
Leadership And Community Service
President
Ladies of Vital Essence, Augustana College- Rock Island, IL 09/2019- 5/2020
- Maintained order and coordinated activities and functions of the organization to align with Augustana's policies and requirements for operation, Presided over all regular meetings and established any committees necessary to execute the programs of the organization
- Managed executive board of 10 members and created measurable goal for career development and networking opportunities
- Developed and implemented strategies to integrate frameworks for having difficult conversations, improving cultural competency, addressing bias, and increasing collaboration with other student organizations
- Organized multiple fundraising events which raised money and brought awareness to social causes such as homelessness, education, children's hospitals, racial injustice, domestic violence, and more
Research
Student Researcher
Augustana College, Psychology Department- Rock Island, IL 03/2019, 05/2019
- Assisted Faculty Supervisor to investigate fear memories in young chickens as an animal model of PTSD
- Conducted color preference tests for a classical conditioning experiment, Performed daily lab duties to ensure that the young chickens were fed and weighed
- Recorded video and experimental data to gather research findings
- Analyzed experimental data using SPSS to interpret research finding
Credentials And Training
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certification fr om Cornell University
- Opiate Overdose Response Training
- Mental Health First Aid Training
Timeline
Community Engagement Coordinator
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
10.2023 - Current
Public Health Associate
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
10.2021 - 10.2023
Community Advisor
Augustana College, Residential Life
09.2019 - 05.2020
Student Intern
Quad Cities Harm Reduction
09.2019 - 12.2019
Pharmacy Technician
CVS Pharmacy
08.2016 - 10.2021
Masters in Public Health - Health Policy And Management
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts - Public Health and Neuroscience
Augustana College
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