In April 2025, Graciela Alvarez Leon, a certified community health worker (CHW) with Cleveland Clinic, began working with a pregnant client who was expected to deliver twins. The client was uninsured, faced language barriers, and lacked reliable transportation. Fortunately, a kind neighbor helped drive her to medical appointments.
At 25 weeks pregnant, the client had an emergency C-section that resulted in one fetal loss. The surviving twin was born weighing just over one pound and had developmental complications, which required frequent visits to Maternal Fetal Medicine.
After delivery, care for the client was transferred to Mayra Tostado, another CHW with Cleveland Clinic, who assisted with navigating the complex healthcare system and rebuilding stability. Mayra’s support included securing health insurance for the family, renewing Hospital Care Assurance Program funding, completing social service referrals to complete the process for the baby’s birth certificate and Social Security card, obtaining a pack ‘n play and travel system, and supporting an employment pathway for her husband that led to stable work.
The baby suffered a brain bleed shortly after birth, but thankfully she recovered well. In November, she was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit weighing a healthy 8 pounds! Both the client and the CHWs were overjoyed by this milestone. Mayra has continued to work closely with the client and her family and will continue to do so until the baby’s first birthday, ensuring they continue to receive the support they need to thrive.
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