Chelsea Hedrick
Community Resource Specialist
chedrick@connectmatsu.org
Jessica Czechowicz is a volunteer for the Connect Mat-Su COVID Call Line and a registered nurse. She’s worked in an ICU step-down unit that in March of 2020 became a dedicated COVID unit and spent the last year seeing firsthand how it impacts someone’s health. When asked what interested her in the volunteer position, Jessica said, “One of the most difficult things I encountered as a nurse during the pandemic was how to process, disseminate, and embrace the sometimes-daily changes to best practices when dealing with COVID. It was frustrating and confusing. When I saw this volunteer opportunity, I felt a lot of empathy for how confusing it must be to navigate these new guidelines. I could help people who weren’t in the medical field navigate how to keep their families and schools safe.”
Jessica says this experience has, “shined a light on what an amazing job Mat-Su Public Health and the school district has done in the Mat-Su Borough! They have created a process that is straightforward, evidence-based and has allowed their schools to remain open.” Though she hasn’t received a call during her shift yet, service to others and connection to the community is important to her. She says, “Connect Mat-Su is an amazing organization and I am proud to help support them in their mission to improving the health and wellness of all Alaskans.”
In partnership with the Mat-Su Borough School District (MSBSD) and Alaska Public Health Nursing (AKPHN), the call line launched in February and will be open through May 21st. Operators are available Monday – Friday from 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Call (907) 373-2628 and dial 2 for assistance.
For more information on the program or how to volunteer, please email volunteer@connectmatsu.org.