Bremen High School Healthcare Program

Aaliyah Zuniga, a senior at Bremen High School in Midlothian, participated in community outreach by distributing produce, vegetable plants, and providing information on food pantries at TCA Health in Dolton. These activities were part of a program for students keen on healthcare careers.

Zuniga expressed enthusiasm about the program, hoping to pursue nursing with a focus on newborn care. She was among 19 students from Bremen High School District 228 involved in the Cook County Department of Public Health’s Community Healthcare Worker High School Pipeline Program. This initiative is now in its second year.

In collaboration with the Sinai Urban Health Institute, the program provided training during the spring of 2026. Eight students continued with a six-week summer internship from June 22 to July 31. “At the clinic, we learned about HIV tests they offered,” Zuniga stated. Her interest in public health emphasizes community cooperation for improved health.

The internship included hands-on experiences at Arab American Family Services in Worth and Family Christian Health Center in Harvey. Practical skills like CPR/AED, first aid, trauma-informed care, and ‘stop the bleed’ training were provided.

Funding for this year’s program came from Bremen School District 228, the Cook County Department of Public Health, and the Michael Reese Health Trust, after CDC funding was unavailable.

The program also featured the creation of a video on vaping risks. It involved Bremen, Tinley Park, and Hillcrest high school students. Efrat Stein, Director of Public Health Communications, led this effort as part of a broader anti-vaping campaign.

Xandria Hair, Associate Program Director, highlighted the initiative’s role in both public health messaging and career education. She praised students’ creativity and their contribution to health communication.

The program offered college credit and engaged students in public health career exploration. It challenged professionals to rethink community and youth engagement. Renee Mack, Director of Career Readiness for District 228, noted a surge in student healthcare interest leading to this initiative.

Student Ryan Red, motivated by the program, observed its role in healthcare pathway exploration. Another participant, Christopher Roman, shared insights on handling patient outreach and safety.

Analy Calderon’s interest in medicine aligns with a helping spirit. Bremen High’s program fosters such aspirations, offering practical healthcare lessons.

Janice Neumann reports for the Daily Southtown.