When Ivonne Garber came to Flagstaff in 2010 for a bachelor’s in public health at Northern Arizona University, she could not imagine her hard work and training would prepare her to assist in the city’s COVID-19 response.
Almost 10 years after leaving San Diego and armed with her undergraduate degree, Garber is now working part time at Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) while finishing up a master’s in public health through the NAU College of Health and Human Services.
“NAU is lucky to attract excellent students who embody the spirit of public health and have the courage and self-sacrifice to contribute on a very high level in challenging times,” said Samantha Sabo, associate professor in the Department of Health Sciences and the Center for Health Equity Research. “Ivonne is one of our many students who are making a difference at this critical time.”
At FMC, Garber works in the critical care cluster and the intensive care unit where she performs basic care––documenting patient intake and output, helping them with hygiene and getting them ready for meals.
“I do think my education prepared me well for this period of time,” Garber said of the pandemic. “My public health education is a unique perspective to bring to healthcare. I pay close attention to my coworkers when they put on or remove personal protective equipment and ensure safe transport of COVID positive patients throughout the hospital.”
Though Garber started at NAU in pre-nursing, she changed to public health when she discovered she had a love for epidemiology and administration.
“After taking epidemiology, I realized it is such a good perspective to have,” Garber said of the course. “You process health differently. It is like looking at an elephant and in order to determine what it is, you examine it from all its different sides.”
She said that at FMC, she tries to work as much as possible despite COVID-19 dangers.
“I love helping people and am very passionate about my job, so I never thought twice about putting myself at risk,” Garber said. “I try to pick up at least one extra shift per week to help out.”
Through an MPH internship, she also works with the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care to examine the emergency responses to COVID-19 of each Tribe in Arizona (AACIHC). She describes it as an organization that advocates for high quality health care for American Indians in Arizona. Through this internship, Garber has the opportunity to work directly with American Indian health policy experts.
Garber said to guard against COVID-19, people should protect themselves against community transmission, which can be prevented by avoiding crowds and staying at home.
“Take the precautions seriously or it spreads quickly,” Garber said. “For every one person who is COVID positive, if they are in the community, they can spread it to 2.3 people.”
Garber said that the master’s in public health program has helped her beyond academics and trained her to be a leader by helping her get through her shyness and teaching her to speak with clarity and professionalism.
“My MPH prepared me by helping me develop leadership skills, and it challenged me by practicing my presentations and communication skills,” she said. “I have become a much more of a go getter.”