Life Changing Is ... Making a Difference in Your Community

Drevell S., Development Coordinator, Hamot Health Foundation

"It's about, 'How can I help another individual in any way, shape, or form?'"

Drevell grew up in the lower east side of Erie. That makes the work he does there today especially meaningful for him.

In his role with Hamot Health Foundation, Drevell serves as a community advocate for the Erie Center for Arts & Technology (ECAT). He goes door-to-door through the east side neighborhoods, meeting residents and helping to connect them to the center's resources. Those resources include arts programs for adolescents and teens, medical assistant training, a walk-in pharmacy, and much more.

“With the work I'm doing, it's something that even as a kid I would think, 'Oh, I wish we had this resource, or that resource, or someone filling us in on what's available to make our lives healthier and happier," Drevell says. "I really serve as the connector to folks, whether it be for their own health care needs, job opportunities, food access, or child welfare.

"It's really up to me to build that rapport with folks and then connect them to the most appropriate resources for their situation."

With that in mind, he gives residents a bag that contains information about everything the center has to offer. He adds a personal touch with his own business card.

Drevell began working for Hamot Health Foundation in 2021, wanting to help out people in need. He took on his current role in 2022.

It took time for Drevell to gain the trust of people in the neighborhoods where he works. But he stayed consistent making sure residents knew he was there for them.

“I started noticing after a while, people started waving to me," he says. "They notice who I am. Before, their guard was up.

"It's the persistence. It's letting them know this isn't just a fly-by-night thing. I'm here to stay. I'm here to work. You're going to see me time and time again until you get sick of me."

Drevell says he comes from a "humble background," and that helped mold him into who he is today. He grew up with people from all different backgrounds, and it made him realize everyone has something special to offer.

“As I got older, it just became even more natural to just smile, say hello to somebody, and pass that kindness on to others," he says. "Because that could change somebody's whole day, and really their whole perspective in life."

Drevell gets the most satisfaction when he is able to connect people with what they need. Each person needs something different. His job is ongoing, and he hopes to help as many people as he can.

“I'm out here trying to do what's best for the people of this community," he says. "It's little by little, but it's surely happening."

"It's about, 'How can I help another individual in any way, shape, or form?'"

At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means staying the course to help others.

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