MCDPH Public Health Community Liaisons are active in Maricopa County, serving as connectors between public health and local organizations, municipalities, schools, and tribal communities. This month, we interviewed Angelica Backalukas, Public Health Community Liaison, to better understand her role and the support she provides to the community. 

Angelica serves the Northeast region of the county, which includes Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Paradise Valley, Rio Verde, and Scottsdale.

What do you do in your role as a Public Health Community Liaison?

I strive to be the bridge between public health and the community. I do this by being the eyes and ears of public health, where I listen and learn what public health-related topics are coming up in each community. Building relationships with cities, towns, community organizations, non-profits, businesses, school districts, and tribal communities, among others, is a high priority as a Public Health Liaison. Creating these relationships and building a rapport with community partners allows me to gain the trust needed to create a healthier community when the opportunity arises. Connecting communities with public health-related resources is integral because it allows communities to thrive and grow to achieve healthier outcomes. 

What type of support do you provide to community organizations?

Once I know what the community organization needs, I will see if the county can meet this need. If it cannot, I will reach out to other partner organizations I have been able to build relationships with and see how they may be able to partner together to provide the support needed. In the past, I have been able to lend support around vaccines, community tests, at-home COVID-19 tests, backpacks, hygiene kits, and PPE. 

How can an organization get in contact with you?

My direct email is Angelica.Backalukas@maricopa.gov and my cell phone is 602-819-0335. 

Click here to read about what a typical workday looks like for Angelica and what she says is the best part of her job!