Nelly Velazquez is Data Quality Operations Manager for the Primary Care Coalition's (PCC's) Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) under the Maryland Department of Health. She ensures that clinical health center patients receive breast and cervical cancer screenings in a timely manner. The program screens all eligible patients for cervical cancer from age 21 and for breast cancer from age 40. More than 1,300 women in Montgomery County annually receive potentially life-saving mammograms and Pap tests.
Velazquez has been with the Primary Care Coalition for nearly three years, joining in mid-November 2022. "I love what I do at PCC. I feel I am the voice for women who often don't have a voice. Even though I don't work directly with patients, I feel connected to patients. I am behind the scenes, removing barriers for people who are facing language difficulties, lack of information and education, and all kinds of other challenges in getting the healthcare they need. Knowing that I'm helping keeps me motivated," said Velazquez.
She lived in Baltimore and worked with the BCCP in Baltimore City for ten years before joining PCC. When her husband died unexpectedly at the end of 2019, she decided to downsize, sold her house, and moved to Montgomery County in 2020 to be closer to her son.
"What I do here at PCC is challenging and complex because I don't just oversee the data quality. I am responsible for ensuring that patients receive the services they need and that the health centers can efficiently provide them. Even though my role is more technical, I always hold the patients first. So, everything I do, every decision I make, every process I try to improve is done to make the program work better for the women who need it most. It is a very detail-oriented job that includes improving operations and processes," said Velazquez.
Like many of her colleagues at PCC, Nelly is on a bit of a mission. "I want to make a difference in the community. I want to make a difference with women. I want to make this journey through life worth it," said Velazquez, who adds that her desire for the future "is to make our community healthier."
In her time away from work, Nelly stays busy. She is starting a master's program in a few weeks. She also enjoys creative projects involving drawing and coloring, which help her relax and see things from a new perspective to develop innovative solutions in her work. Her three teacup Yorkies keep her company at home. They include Lolyta (5 lbs.), Nana (3 lbs.), and Figi (2 lbs.). Velazquez has a grown son who lives nearby, along with her grandson, Joaquin, 3, who was bornafter her husband's death and most resembles him with his green eyes and curly, golden hair. Her daughter lives in Florida with her other grandchildren, Alyssa, 16, and Nico, 12.
Velazquez has been with the Primary Care Coalition for nearly three years, joining in mid-November 2022. "I love what I do at PCC. I feel I am the voice for women who often don't have a voice. Even though I don't work directly with patients, I feel connected to patients. I am behind the scenes, removing barriers for people who are facing language difficulties, lack of information and education, and all kinds of other challenges in getting the healthcare they need. Knowing that I'm helping keeps me motivated," said Velazquez.
She lived in Baltimore and worked with the BCCP in Baltimore City for ten years before joining PCC. When her husband died unexpectedly at the end of 2019, she decided to downsize, sold her house, and moved to Montgomery County in 2020 to be closer to her son.
"What I do here at PCC is challenging and complex because I don't just oversee the data quality. I am responsible for ensuring that patients receive the services they need and that the health centers can efficiently provide them. Even though my role is more technical, I always hold the patients first. So, everything I do, every decision I make, every process I try to improve is done to make the program work better for the women who need it most. It is a very detail-oriented job that includes improving operations and processes," said Velazquez.
Like many of her colleagues at PCC, Nelly is on a bit of a mission. "I want to make a difference in the community. I want to make a difference with women. I want to make this journey through life worth it," said Velazquez, who adds that her desire for the future "is to make our community healthier."
In her time away from work, Nelly stays busy. She is starting a master's program in a few weeks. She also enjoys creative projects involving drawing and coloring, which help her relax and see things from a new perspective to develop innovative solutions in her work. Her three teacup Yorkies keep her company at home. They include Lolyta (5 lbs.), Nana (3 lbs.), and Figi (2 lbs.). Velazquez has a grown son who lives nearby, along with her grandson, Joaquin, 3, who was bornafter her husband's death and most resembles him with his green eyes and curly, golden hair. Her daughter lives in Florida with her other grandchildren, Alyssa, 16, and Nico, 12.
RSS Feed