Two CCFCS Employees Named RBJ 2023 Health Care Heroes

Rochester, NY… – Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS) is pleased to announce two exemplary employees have been named 2023 Health Care Heroes by the Rochester Business Journal.

Obaida Omar is the Manager of CCFCS’ Refugee Special Needs Health Case Management program. She helps refugee families navigate the local health care system, targeting her work to refugee families who are experiencing acute and/or chronic medical and mental health conditions or who need urgent care. Omar is herself a refugee and a mother of a developmentally disabled child and uses this lived experience to help others. She has been a tireless advocate for refugee health throughout her nine years at CCFCS, and as a member of our local Afghan community.

Yvonne Peters is CCFCS’ Director of Nursing. Thanks to her efforts, CCFCS was designated as a NYS Vaccine Provider during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, Peters took action to ensure patients in our substance use disorder (SUD) programs had access to COVID vaccinations. She also implemented a new medication management system and training of direct line staff in SUD, resulting in a 95% reduction in medication-related incidents. Peters has always been at the forefront of health initiatives designed to improve patient care and community wellness.

“Obaida Omar and Yvonne Peters demonstrate leadership, innovation, and compassionate care every day,” remarked Lori VanAuken, President & CEO of CCFCS. “We are proud to work with them in service to our over 20,000 clients throughout Rochester and surrounding counties.”

The Health Care Heroes Award highlights health care professionals for their impact on the quality of health care in our community. Omar and Peters will be honored by the Rochester Business Journal at a special awards celebration at the Hyatt Regency Rochester on March 28, 2023, at 9am.

About Catholic Charities Family and Community Services: Catholic Charities Family and Community Services provides housing, employment, and coordination of care to help people of all ages and all walks of life live independently with dignity, while facing the challenges of addiction, aging, mental illness, HIV, poverty, developmental disability, and immigration.