Mercy Health Lorain has appointed Marilyn Alejandro-Rodriguez as its new director of community health. Prior to joining Mercy Health, Alejandro-Rodriguez served as the inaugural director for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Community Health Workers, where she advocated for the needs of underserved populations. In her new role, she will lead initiatives to promote community collaborations aimed at addressing the unique health needs of the Lorain community.
Alejandro-Rodriguez’s personal experiences have fueled her 30-year commitment to health advocacy. She shared that the loss of both her parents to AIDS propelled her to become a community health worker. She emphasized the importance of access to quality healthcare and support systems, which she witnessed firsthand. She is excited about the opportunity to directly serve individuals and families, making a tangible difference in their lives.
One of Alejandro-Rodriguez’s initial projects will involve overseeing the health system’s upcoming Community Health Needs Assessment. This survey is conducted every three years to gather community input and identify the top health concerns in Lorain County. Previous assessments identified chronic disease, maternal and child care, mental health, substance abuse, cancer, and social bias as key issues. The health system has established various community health programs to address these issues, and Alejandro-Rodriguez will continue this vital work through existing partnerships with the community and faith-based organizations.
Dr. John Luellen, the market president of Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown, expressed confidence in Alejandro-Rodriguez’s abilities, citing her wealth of experience and passion for service. He looks forward to working with her and witnessing the positive impacts she will bring to the ministry and the communities served by Mercy Health. For more information on the Community Health Needs Assessment process or to explore the results of previous assessments, individuals can visit mercy.com/about-us/mission/giving-back.