The 2022-2023 Enrollee Advisory Council election ended March 28. Hennepin Health members elected the following candidates to the council.
Albert Gikenyi
I have been in the healthcare business for quite a long time. I am so humbled to be one of the Hennepin Health candidates and have sincere willingness to work and serve on the advisory council.
Barlee Gbala
I believe that as a Black professional woman from the Phillips neighborhood experiencing daily highs and lows of our healthcare system, coupled with the realities of low-income care and community activism, I could offer one valuable voice to the Enrollee Advisory Council. I believe my service may contribute to how people like me receive, understand and enhance our healthcare processes in Hennepin County.
Cesar Perez
The reason is I really like this coverage. I have never had coverage in the past. This has been helpful for me. It's important because it has helped me have no fear of the hospital when going in for medical care. Christopher Walsh
My background as a former lawyer with knowledge of medical and HR issues makes me a good fit.
Ephrem Asfaw
I have been a member and recipient of your impeccable service for a long time. I am a very satisfied customer who uses this insurance as I am dealing with devastating health issues that often impair my ability to function. I have a BS in biochemistry and a graduate degree in medicinal chemistry/biomedical science. I also serve the greater Ethiopian community in the Twin Cities in any way I can.
Eula Davis
I haven’t done anything else like this and it sounds like a good opportunity.
Fintan Hyacinthe
Because I would like to give back to my community.
Grace Ukpo
Navigating healthcare, especially for the low income group, is a daunting task that has left millions of people feeling abandoned by the system. My mind set is to participate and contribute where applicable to the ongoing conversation to improve health services for everyone.
Gregory (Greg) Smalley
I have been trained and educated in law and psychology. I have known high functioning, successful people as well as barely functioning, homeless adults as I was once homeless myself. I understand the great need of medical intervention through these experiences and believe my perspective would be of value to the EAC.
Herb Bailey
I understand that people of all different backgrounds need help sometime in their life. I have been so appreciative of the help that Hennepin Health gives to take care of people in a responsible, caring manner. So I believe I may be a positive vessel to an already uplifting program.
Holly Jackson
I would like to continue on the council for another year. Having children who are part of Hennepin Health, it is important for me to advocate for them and contribute what I can to make it a successful program for those in need.
Irene Njoroge
I am honored to be asked to represent the community I live in. I would like to give back to the community. I think being a voice for my community of female, immigrants and senior citizens is a small gesture of appreciation of my community for having me in their midst.
James Moore
I want to help uplift the voices of my fellow health plan members and ensure that Hennepin Health give the best quality of care and service to those it’s designed to help. Being a member of two communities who have often been pushed to the sidelines, I know firsthand the value and importance of getting quality and affordable healthcare regardless of one’s socioeconomic status, race, religion, sexual orientation or other status.
Jimmie Bishop
I have been enrolled since 2014 and have benefited greatly from Hennepin Health’s programs and services. Let’s work together to inform and enrich our community as a whole while finding ways to fulfill rising healthcare needs. Joshua Pearson
I want to try something new and be a part of this council. I have had seizures from age 11 when I got shot in the head. The doctors can’t give me an answer why so I want to improve healthcare.
Michael Culhane
As a longtime business person with an emphasis on customer service, I believe my vision aligns. I’m a current member who advocates the world class care Hennepin Health provides. I believe everyone deserves the best care and that can be had at Hennepin Health.
Michael Milbrandt
I have been receiving medical help from Hennepin Health for a few years and would like to give back and become involved.
Mustafa Yusuf
Health coverage means that I have a health card that allows me to see my doctor and get my prescriptions. I want to contribute to the council.
Ochongi Ojullo
They are doing good things for people and that's why I want to be a part of it.
Patrick Epstein
As I get older, like everyone, I have to work extra hard at keeping this body that God gave me in shape. That is my main focus right now. The Hennepin Health program is great but some things baffle me.
Pauline Smith
As a person using Hennepin Health, I want to make my voice heard. I want to represent African Americans who use Hennepin Health. I want to be on the council because they help guide the organization towards its mission. My role on the council is to provide key information and make recommendations on certain matters.
Rahimah Rashad
I would like to remain a member of the council to give back to society as a whole. Being a committee member is not only about attending meetings but about working with other committee members to reach a consensus about important circumstances. Volunteering is important because it enables individuals to help others in a selfless way.
Randy Flowers
It would be a great opportunity to help better serve the members of our community by using my personal educational and professional experience. I have firsthand knowledge of the program and how it helped me to make an important change in my life. I have many ideas that I believe would be helpful in the challenges we face as a team.
Thuy Nguyen
The reason is to contribute my Asian voice from the Vietnamese community to our big community about health policy. Hearing voices from different languages or ethnicities helps the organization develop stronger and get the trust for all people. I am a mom of two kids; a healthy mom means a child would be healthy too. With my experience about kids and family, I would like to share/contribute to our community.
Tommy White
To make a better vision for members.
Umer Sesega
I just want to participate because you may learn something. Back home in Ethiopia, I attended college and was a teacher.