Fernando Careaga '12 plays a key role in Arizona's fight to limit the spread of COVID-19

Fernando Careaga '12 moved to Scottsdale, AZ in June of 2019 to work for Maricopa County Department of Public Health as an Outreach Specialist for the Office of Oral Health.

However, late February of this year Fernando was reassigned by the Director of Clinical Services based on skills and rapport to work for the COVID-19 Response Team. He was the Donations Liaison for PPE then was moved as a communications lead under our PIO (Public Information Officer).

"It has been very busy," Fernando said, "but such an amazing career opportunity to be involved helping my community during a global pandemic. Even better, I received a degree in Public Health so everything I have learned in school and read about has been beneficial in the work I have been doing."

Maricopa County, home to Phoenix and environs, hired him as an outreach specialist in the Department of Public Health. And with the COVID-19 outbreak, Fernando was vaulted into a role as a response logistician, then as a communications liaison with the public information officer. Now he delivers news updates and talking points to tribal nations, hospitals and municipalities around the region. As a native Spanish speaker, he also reaches communities that might not ordinarily hear the voice of local government.

In an article by his college, Pacific University, Fernando said, “Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, as long as you are willing to step out of your comfort zone, by trying new things and taking chances. Never giving up even if you fail. For the moment you get comfortable with the uncomfortable, that is when you will be able to reach your fullest potential!”

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Salpointe Catholic High School

1545 E. Copper St.,
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 327-6581
Attendance: (520) 327-1990
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