“Although my path was not linear, my goal was always clear.”
—Vanesa Salgado, Patient Engagement and Navigation Coordinator III (PENC)
Twelve years ago, Vanesa Salgado walked through HealthPoint’s doors as a patient—seven months pregnant, new to Washington, and searching for care. “HealthPoint welcomed me,” she recalls. “They helped me find OB care and establish primary care for myself and my newborn son.”
That first experience planted a seed. A few years later, a family friend mentioned HealthPoint was hiring. After juggling multiple jobs, Vanesa was drawn to the promise of stability, supportive benefits, and a mission that aligned with her values.
Today, Vanesa serves as a Patient Engagement and Navigation Coordinator III on HealthPoint’s Refugee Health team, where she helps patients—many of whom face language barriers and systemic challenges—navigate complex systems and access vital resources.
“By listening without judgment, answering questions, and clearly explaining next steps, I show patients that I genuinely care,” Vanesa says. “That trust creates a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their stories and needs.”
She recalls one father who was hesitant to open up. “He told me no one had ever helped him before. He was overwhelmed—facing eviction, unemployment, and struggling to support his family.” Vanesa helped him apply for rental assistance, connect with employment services, and secure essentials like a laptop and vacuum through HealthPoint’s CCF fund. “It wasn’t just about resources—it was about restoring hope.”
Vanesa’s work is a testament to the power of empathy and persistence. With the support of bilingual staff and in-person interpreters, the Refugee Health team builds bridges of trust that keep patients engaged in their care.
As community needs evolve, so does Vanesa’s role. “We’ve shifted from addressing one or two immediate needs to becoming a continuous support system,” she explains. “Now, we help patients navigate everything from healthcare and transportation to legal aid and food insecurity.”
Now in her eighth year at HealthPoint, Vanesa remains deeply committed to her work. Looking ahead, she sees herself continuing to empower patients and advocate for equitable healthcare.
“Helping others has always been part of my journey,” she says. “And I’m just getting started.”
