The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode 7: Jakey Siolo

On this episode we meet Jakey Siolo - Case Manager with the Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources (PIK2AR) and Community Health Worker for the Utah Pride Center. We learn about his demanding schedule of being on-call 24 hours a day to respond to calls from Community Members and serving as a Certified Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Jakey says that communication, reaching out for assistance and emergency planning are important dialogue for families experiencing domestic violence. 

As always we talk about heritage and ask the hard questions when discussing being raised an individual with many different cultures. Jakey shares the ways he is able to keep his work and life in balance. We discuss how Community Health Workers share life experiences with the people they serve, making it possible to understand what they are going through. CHWs are able to provide assistance with shared strength and without judgement. 

We discuss the vital role that Community Health Workers and Case Managers have in connecting families with resources, providing a one-stop approach to ensure equitable access. CHWs fill the gaps in service by representing our diverse communities and building the trust with community members to extend education or resources. Jakey shares his passion for policy advocacy and stresses the importance of community representation on the hill.  

We learn about programs and education provided through PIK2AR and the Utah Pride Center. Community members can send an email to chw@pik2ar.org to request COVID-19 care kits, utility or rental assistance, food resources & violence prevention advocacy. 

~ Mahalo