For Victoria, serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer with the Contra Costa County Medication Education and Disposal Safety (CCC MEDS) Coalition has been an opportunity to turn her passion for public health into meaningful community impact. Motivated by a desire to gain hands-on experience addressing public health challenges, she began her service eager to strengthen her skills while making a difference in the lives of others.
Throughout her VISTA journey, Victoria has discovered that meaningful public health work begins with building relationships, fostering trust, and connecting communities with valuable resources. From helping revise the coalition’s sustainability binder to supporting outreach events and engaging with community partners, she has gained firsthand experience in coalition building, public health education, and community-based prevention efforts.
One of Victoria’s most memorable experiences came during an outreach event when she met a father whose son was living with opioid use disorder. Grateful for the opportunity to receive naloxone training and a free naloxone kit, the father shared his story with Victoria. By listening without judgment and providing education and support, she was able to connect him with a potentially life-saving resource. The interaction left a lasting impression, reinforcing her belief that even a single conversation can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Victoria has also taken an active role in strengthening community partnerships. Her efforts have included connecting with Contra Costa Animal Services to explore future naloxone training opportunities and representing the coalition at community events, including the Contra Costa Block Party at Pleasant Hill Library. Through these experiences, she has witnessed the importance of organizations working together to expand access to resources and support community well-being.
Beyond her contributions to the coalition, Victoria’s service has strengthened her confidence in partnership development, community outreach, and program sustainability. These experiences have further inspired her goal of pursuing a career in public health nursing, where she hopes to combine health education, community engagement, and health equity to serve others.
For future VISTA Volunteers, Victoria encourages embracing new opportunities, remaining open to learning from the communities they serve, and never underestimating the power of a meaningful conversation. As she continues her service, the relationships she has built and the lessons she has learned will remain an important part of her personal and professional journey.
