Nilsa Benavides has been with the Primary Care Coalition (PCC) for nearly 20 years. She currently works as Client Services Lead and supervises the MedBank program, which provides the community’s most vulnerable residents with access to free, brand-name medications for serious health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and glaucoma.
Originally from Peru, Benavides came to the United States in 1991, more than 30 years ago, to help her aunt in Rockville with childcare. She quickly learned English and loved her new, busy life in this country, appreciating the many opportunities available. She likes to be on time, and the punctual nature of the Washington, D.C. area culture suits her.
Benavides found her way to PCC in October 2005 and feels blessed to be able to do such meaningful work. She earned her Community Health Worker (CHW) certification in June 2023.
Serving people is what Benavides likes best about her work. “To be working and serving the people who are most in need is a gift. Giving my time to others and making a difference in their lives is a win-win. As a community health worker, I educate residents about health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. I guide them to life-saving information and medication and provide prevention advice. Prevention is the key to good health.”
Benavides fondly remembers her childhood in Huambo, a little town in northern Peru, where she climbed big, leafy trees and played soccer. Although she outgrew those activities long ago, she still enjoys watching the World Cup.
When she is not at work, Benavides cares for her husband, Carlos Daniel, and their cat, Chiquito, whose name means “little one” in Spanish. Nilsa Benavides and her husband will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in May. She enjoys meditation and outdoor walks in nice weather. She also regularly spends time with older adults in senior housing who rarely have visitors.
“God is my inspiration to do my work. He gives me the strength and inspiration to continue doing what I need to do to help others. My mother also gave me good values, such as serving others and doing it with patience and kindness.”
Her mother still lives in Peru, although she has moved from Huambo to the capital city, Lima. Benavides travels to Peru each year to visit her mother, sister, and brother. In late March, Benavides will travel to Lima to help her mother celebrate her birthday.
Originally from Peru, Benavides came to the United States in 1991, more than 30 years ago, to help her aunt in Rockville with childcare. She quickly learned English and loved her new, busy life in this country, appreciating the many opportunities available. She likes to be on time, and the punctual nature of the Washington, D.C. area culture suits her.
Benavides found her way to PCC in October 2005 and feels blessed to be able to do such meaningful work. She earned her Community Health Worker (CHW) certification in June 2023.
Serving people is what Benavides likes best about her work. “To be working and serving the people who are most in need is a gift. Giving my time to others and making a difference in their lives is a win-win. As a community health worker, I educate residents about health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. I guide them to life-saving information and medication and provide prevention advice. Prevention is the key to good health.”
Benavides fondly remembers her childhood in Huambo, a little town in northern Peru, where she climbed big, leafy trees and played soccer. Although she outgrew those activities long ago, she still enjoys watching the World Cup.
When she is not at work, Benavides cares for her husband, Carlos Daniel, and their cat, Chiquito, whose name means “little one” in Spanish. Nilsa Benavides and her husband will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in May. She enjoys meditation and outdoor walks in nice weather. She also regularly spends time with older adults in senior housing who rarely have visitors.
“God is my inspiration to do my work. He gives me the strength and inspiration to continue doing what I need to do to help others. My mother also gave me good values, such as serving others and doing it with patience and kindness.”
Her mother still lives in Peru, although she has moved from Huambo to the capital city, Lima. Benavides travels to Peru each year to visit her mother, sister, and brother. In late March, Benavides will travel to Lima to help her mother celebrate her birthday.
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