Vanessa Melgoza is the Director of Health Services at Corazón Community Services.

Tell us about your organization and the work you do there. 

Corazón Community Services’ mission is to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families through holistic social services offered in a culturally sensitive environment. Our health department provides free and confidential HIV/ STD testing, counseling, education, safer sex kits and many resources to the community.

What communities do you serve? 

We serve children, youth and families who are in need of resources in the Cicero and Berwyn areas.

Why did you decide to join the Illinois Kidney Care Alliance? 

We decided to join the Illinois Kidney Care Alliance in efforts to support the mission of IKCA and ensure that the needs of individuals and their families are met by linking individuals to different resources that promote their overall well-being. 

What do you hope the alliance accomplishes? 

Corazón Community Services is hopeful that the alliance can accomplish its goal to ensure patients’ needs are met in a culturally sensitive approach. As partners of IKCA we will continue to advocate and share resources for the community.

What policy changes do those living with kidney disease need now? 

Kidney disease patients need policies that improve access to health care and strengthen quality of health for patients and their families. 

What can lawmakers do to help those with kidney disease?

Lawmakers can help support and advocate on issues that affect funding, treatment, research to enhance the lives of kidney disease patients and create early interventions.

What is something most people don’t know about dialysis/kidney disease? 

Early intervention includes taking control of your health by having a healthy diet, exercising and monitoring other factors that can affect our health such as diabetes and/or hypertension.

If you can share one story about the work you and your organization do, what would it be? 

Corazón Community Services has a group of Youth Health Ambassadors ages 14-19 who support the advocacy and well-being of the community through community canvassing, hosting health workshops and sharing resources and education amongst their peers and their families. It is gratifying to see the determination and passion that these young people embody to make a positive change in their communities.