by Aurelia Herrera

Hello everyone! My name is Aurelia Herrera, I work as a Certified Medical Assistant in an outpatient clinic in Addison, IL. I am a mother of three and reside in Maywood, IL. I enjoy investing my spare time volunteering and giving back to my community. A few months ago I was given the opportunity to join the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, also known as CSPL. There I volunteer on the Census 2020 committee and participate in many other community events.

As a mother and healthcare worker, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on my life. Professionally my health is at risk, but even then I know it is for a good cause. I live with the profound stress knowing that at any moment I could be exposed and that ultimately I am also risking my children and husband being exposed to the virus. The limited supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) workers have, and the little known effectiveness it has, has really made me worried when going to work.

I want the community to understand how severely this virus can affect their health. Healthcare workers are risking their lives for everyone else. For those not obeying the shelter in place rule, I want you to understand the danger you are putting yourself and others in. Non-clinical and clinical staff who are not working in the hospital are being deployed to help without a choice. We need all communities on the same page, so that together we can fight this pandemic.

With the amount of new positive COVID-19 cases that are being detected, all hospitals will be, if not already, left with a severe lack of space and equipment to properly provide care for people. How are we supposed to control this virus when we don’t have beds, supplies, and equipment for everyone? For this reason, CSPL organized to generate broad community support to encourage Governor Pritzker to reopen Westlake Hospital. Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch was critical in this process through his tireless advocacy for the reopening of Westlake. I was thrilled to hear the news on April 2nd when Governor Pritzker announced that Westlake Hospital would be reopened sometime during the month of April. This decision is timely, prudent and necessary in helping our state address this public health crisis. The reopening of Westlake Hospital also serves as a vital sign of hope for our communities when we need it now more than ever. The effort to reopen Westlake was truly a community effort and I’m grateful to Governor Pritzker, Representative Welch and all of the members of CSPL. 

As a health care worker and as a mother, I want to thank everyone for their sacrifices. For practicing social distancing from those we love when what we need the most is a hug, love, and support from them. Together we will get through this crisis. Thank you all for all of your prayers and support.

Sincerely, 

Aurelia Herrera 

Mother, Healthcare Worker, and CSPL Member