Mychoua the Near West Side Community Health Navigator

Mychoua Vang not only works on the Near West Side, she is a resident, and is delighted to support families living in our neighborhoods. Mychoua is a community health navigator at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where she helps connect residents with the right resources to support wellness and healthy lifestyles.

Mychoua and her team work to build awareness of neighborhood needs and challenges, with a goal of improving health outcomes for children and their families. The health navigators evaluate a variety of social factors to bridge or close the gap with a special focus on housing, jobs, and food. This can lead to stability which then gives the families the ability to focus on other needs such as healthcare. A second area of Mychoua’s expertise is assisting families to remove themselves from the cycle of eviction thereby having a more secure daily life.

While working toward her degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Mychoua was an intern at the Hmong American Friendship Association. She eventually was hired as an administrative assistant and youth coordinator, and received training as a sexual assault victim advocate.

Her days as health navigator can be challenging. Mychoua assists clients with crisis issues on an individual basis in their homes. She can be found working at St. Michael's church, Penfield's Montessori Academy, and Penfield's Children’s Center increasing community engagement one child, one family at at time. She is rewarded by families saying “thank you” and knowing those two simple words are the heart of the gift.

This hard working millennial is the oldest of 8 children. She enjoys movies, bird watching and photography, and the art of hand lettering. Washington Park and the Martin Drive Neighborhood hold a special place in her heart with memories of spending time with her family. After she earns her certification in community health work, her vision is to return to school and earn her doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in neuroscience.

Please introduce yourself to Mychoua at the next NeON meeting or contact her to learn more about her role as CHW Community Health Navigators.