My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	Some of the things that have been hard for me are getting used to a new place, learning how the health system works, and balancing school and personal life.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	It’s important for me to be part of my community’s health because helping others stay healthy makes the whole community stronger and happier. When everyone works together for better health, we can prevent sickness and support each other’s well-being.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	Some of the strengths of my community health factors are that people help each other and care about one another’s well-being. We have programs and activities that support healthy living, and I am proud that our community works together to keep everyone safe and strong.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are a lack of access to healthcare services and not enough health education. Some people also struggle to afford healthy food or transportation to medical appointments.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	I believe I can help improve my community’s health by sharing helpful information about healthy living, supporting health activities, and encouraging others to take care of themselves. Working together makes our community stronger and healthier.
Does your Community have what it takes to be a best in class model for collaborative, healthy communities? Why or why not?	I think my community is trying to be a healthy and supportive place, but there is still room to improve. We need more health programs, better access to services, and stronger teamwork among people and organizations to truly become a best-in-class healthy community.

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me	Health disparities show that not everyone gets the care they need. To advance the DREAM, I will treat everyone with fairness and respect. I will support equity by listening to patients and helping them get the care they deserve.
My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?	My action pledge for 2025 is to promote equal access to healthcare for everyone. I will focus on listening to patients, understanding their needs, and making sure they receive fair and respectful care. By doing this, I will contribute to advancing Dr. King’s dream of equality and equity for all.

General Information

Background

Organization	Mohawk College Organization
Professional Title	Member
Bio and Background	Hello, my name is Richard De Castro.I began my journey in healthcare by studying Personal Support Worker (PSW) at Mohawk College. Through that program, I developed strong skills in providing compassionate, hands-on care for patients, as well as understanding the importance of safety, empathy, and communication in healthcare. Currently, I am pursuing my second program in Digital Health, where I am learning how technology can improve health services, support better decision-making, and create more efficient systems for both care providers and patients. My background as a PSW helps me connect real patient needs with digital solutions. I am passionate about combining healthcare experience with technology to help improve patient care, workflow, and overall health outcomes in today’s digital world.
Why I am a Force for Health Member	I have completed my Personal Support Worker program, and now I am studying Digital Health to combine hands-on care with technology. I want to help improve healthcare services, support patients, and promote better health in my community. I joined Force for Health® to learn from others, share my experiences, and be part of a group that promotes wellness and positive change.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	I use the Force for Health Network tools to learn more about health, access reliable resources, and connect with others who care about wellness. These tools help me stay informed, improve my skills, and support my community more effectively.
My inspiration	I am inspired by healthcare workers because they care for others with kindness and hard work. Their dedication motivates me to help people and improve healthcare.
Location	I am based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. I consider my community to be the people and healthcare organizations in Hamilton and nearby areas.
What would you like people to know about your community?	My community is caring and supportive, where people help each other. It values culture, traditions, and a sense of belonging for everyone.