Catalina Friesen is a personal support worker and board member of the St. Thomas Central Community Health Centre. She was particularly shining front lines during epidemic with recent measles in upper Mennonite communities near Aylmer in southwestern Ontario. Growing up in a Mennonite family in Mexico, Friesen immigrated to Canada as a child. Her special skills, including her unique background and language proficiency, made her an essential resource that could deeply connect with clients at a time filled with fear and uncertainty.
Friesen has dedicated several years to working with Mennonite families, providing essential health services through a mobile clinic that offers immunizations and prenatal care. Her skills in Low German have made her work immeasurable. It helps her reach clients that would be less likely to access medical care otherwise. This emerging language fluency allows for further discussions about the underlying health issues. It engenders trust between healthcare providers and those community members who possess firm cultural values regarding healthcare.
In the midst of the measles outbreak, Friesen faced overwhelming fear from her clients when it came to vaccinations. Even in the 20th century, numerous families expressed concerns and distrust related to immunization. In turn, Friesen spent months negotiating with them to assuage their fears. She spoke about the effectiveness and safety of vaccines, relying on her own expertise and credibility as a longtime health care practitioner.
Throughout the outbreak, Friesen conducted oral history interviews with every single person who walked through the clinic—an estimated 200 to 300 people. Thanks to her diligent efforts, nearly three quarters of her clients were able to understand the value of vaccinations. In turn, the community experienced a dramatic increase in immunization rates. She didn’t stop at offering health services—she truly committed herself to empowering her clients with knowledge. Her objective was to ensure they were empowered in their healthcare decision-making.
In an open editorial published in MacLean’s magazine, Friesen lamented from the front lines of this public health emergency. In her address, she raised the shocking hurdles that Mennonite families must jump through. A significant number of these families are fighting against misinformation and lack access to trusted health information. Friesen told her story in order to bring attention to the need for more culturally competent care. She stressed the importance of healthcare providers meeting communities where they are and on their terms.
Friesen’s work is a testament to how personal support workers can fill cultural gaps in healthcare. Her understanding of Mennonite traditions and values has not only enhanced her communication with clients but has fostered a supportive environment where families feel seen and heard.
Her workplace, the St. Thomas Central Community Health Centre, has naturally developed into an indispensable resource for area Mennonite families. The clinic attempts to offer culturally sensitive care. This all fits right in with Friesen’s commitment to making sure each and every client receives the high-quality, personalized care that they deserve.
Catalina Friesen’s unwavering commitment and infectious enthusiasm for advancing community health has earned her the respect and admiration. She has a deep and abiding appreciation among the Mennonite families. Her work during the Quebec measles outbreak highlights the importance of personal support workers. They are critical to solving our nation’s public health challenges, including in our rapidly growing multicultural communities.
