Persistent calls from Dr. Oralia G. Dominic, founder of the National Institute of Rural and Minority Health (NIRMH), puzzled Sr. Severiana Morales. Dr. Dominic continued calling about her work at Keystone Health Agricultural Workers Program in Northwest Pennsylvania.
Since 2020, Sr. Severiana has served agricultural workers across a ten-county area. She ministers to migrants at their work sites and mobile clinic. Keystone Health provides basic medical, dental, and behavioral care to those in need. It also provides social services.
Keystone Health works with other providers to coordinate care. They also collaborate to break down language and cultural barriers. Dr. Dominic’s final call solved the mystery and brought good news. Sr. Severiana received the 2024 DEI and Accessibility Public Service for Rural Health Award on behalf of Keystone. She received the award at the NIRMH Tri-State Symposium in Pittsburgh at Point Park University in June.
For over 25 years, she has assisted Erie’s Hispanic community. Sr. Severiana serves at St. Stephen’s Parish as a volunteer and pastoral worker. She provides spiritual education and assists with legal, health, and employment issues. She has also served as a court interpreter.
By Sister Carol Pregno | August 2024