Marilyn Alejandro-Rodriguez has been appointed as the new director of community health at Mercy Health Lorain. Previously, she served as the director for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Community Health Workers, where she advocated for underserved populations. In her new role, Alejandro-Rodriguez will lead initiatives to foster community collaborations that address the specific health needs of the Lorain community.
Alejandro-Rodriguez’s personal experiences have shaped her 30-year commitment to health advocacy. After losing both her parents to AIDS, she became a community health worker. She emphasizes the importance of access to quality healthcare and support systems in improving community health outcomes.
One of Alejandro-Rodriguez’s first tasks will be overseeing the Community Health Needs Assessment for the health system. This survey, conducted every three years, collects community input to identify the top health concerns in Lorain County. Issues such as chronic disease, maternal and child care, mental health, substance abuse, cancer, and social bias have been highlighted in past assessments. To address these concerns, Alejandro-Rodriguez will continue to build on existing community and faith-based partnerships.
Dr. John Luellen, market president of Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown, expressed confidence in Alejandro-Rodriguez’s abilities, highlighting her experience and passion for service. He believes her contributions will have a positive impact on the ministry and the communities it serves