Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Jackson.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Latina of mixed heritage. As both Mexican and African American, I’m proudly multiethnic. Born and raised in Southwest Detroit, I attended Cass Technical High School and completed my first bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies at The University of Michigan. It was at the university that I solidified my deep passion for service to women, deciding to become a certified nurse-midwife. I returned for further education at the University of Rochester in upstate New York for my bachelor’s in nursing followed by a master’s degree in Midwifery from Wayne State University. Through work as a bedside nurse and midwife, I learned many lessons that have guided my career. With the greatest lesson being the importance of my part in quality, evidenced-based, cultural-centric care to the underserved in my native Detroit.
As a child, my mother volunteered her time to serve as an interpreter and support person to neighborhood Spanish-speaking families, many of whom were patients at the Community Health and Social Services (CHASS) Center, a community health center in Southwest Detroit. Often, I would have to go with my mother or feel my mother’s absence in those times. Yet I knew that my mother was making a difference and I desired to do the same. So naturally, when I imagined my dream job upon return from a short stint in Brooklyn, New York, I simply had to work at CHASS Center.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely struggle after struggle. Growing up in a working-class mixed-race family, history was not written to support my best life outcome. It was made in direct opposition to it. My parents being resourceful went the extra mile to provide us with the best education and experiences possible. It was that foundation that taught me how to fight for myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
First, I want to tell you about the Community Health and Social Services Center or CHASS, as it is best known in the community. CHASS was founded in 1970 in Southwest Detroit in response to several community hospital closings after the riots in the late 1960s. CHASS was formed to develop, promote, and provide comprehensive, accessible, and affordable quality primary health care and support services to all residents – with emphasis on Detroit’s underserved African American and Latino populations.
CHASS is the first choice for Detroiters wishing to lead a healthy life because of the it’s community-focused approach, their innovative suite of services, and their positive economic impact.
I’m the only certified nurse-midwife at CHASS Center. I provide holistic obstetrical and gynecological care while working hand and hand with physicians and specialists of Henry Ford Hospital to ensure the highest level of evidence-based practice. I also serve the women by ensuring they have access to preventive programs; specially so uninsured and underinsured patients can receive gynecological preventative services and follow-up if necessary. I’m excited to be part of the CHASS mission that health is a basic human right and assist the center in reaching the goal of attaining a mammogram machine. A goal that will close a major gap in care for our patient population. Through private foundations and community donations this goal will be met soon.
Currently, I’m working on establishing group prenatal care at CHASS Center. In a soon-to-be rolled out program, group prenatal care will combine the robust resources available at CHASS Center with our community’s culture, and evidence-based prenatal care for best patient and family outcomes.
It truly has taken the many experiences of my life to get to a place where I can truly serve and change my beloved community to which I serve with pride as an Afro Latina.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@chasscenter.org
- Website: www.chasscenter.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasscenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHASScenter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CHASSCenter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CHASSCenter
