August 10th, 2007
The man, the myth, the legend…Jarriet DeWitt. If you are actively involved in community work, you probably know Jarriet…or have at least seen him at a meeting. He is a busy guy and contributes to the community in many ways. He is actively involved with the Nebraska Minority Public Health Association, Butler Gast YMCA, Lead Safe Omaha Coalition, the Community Care Councils, and a lot of other stuff. He makes Omaha a little bit better and a little bit healthier…and for that we are grateful.
1.) Who are you, where do you work, what do you do there?
My name is Jarriet DeWitt and I am the community representative for Primary Care+, a Medicaid Managed Care program administrated through Blue Cross Blue Shield of NE. In my role, I act as the community liaison between Primary Care+ staff, our members, and the Omaha/ Lincoln communities . My principal responsibilities include: developing community health programs, helping health organizations improve services to the community, and conducting community health trainings .
2.) Why do you do what you do?
There are a number of reasons I do what I do. It, of course, is a job that provides resources for my life. However, it’s also a job I truly love because it allows me to help people become better at taking better care of themselves, improve my community, and be a role model for youth and others that strive for a better life.
3.) What is the unique value that your organization and / or your work brings to the community?
We are very unique in that we have a physical "human" presence in the community.
4.) What is the most challenging aspect of your work and what is the most rewarding?
The most challenging part of my job is getting people to actually change their unhealthy behaviors (i.e.: smoking, not wearing seatbelts, not seeing a doctor, etc). The most rewarding is having an office (the community) with glass walls and a door that says "come in." It’s the people that I enjoy working with most.
5.) Where do you get new ideas about your work?
I get alot of my ideas by modeling successful people and by using the methods from which they get their information (other people, books, magazines, television, and their inner spiritual voice)
6.) What do you do to take care of yourself?
I do my best to stay happy and laugh everyday. In addition, I eat healthy (most days) and workout 3-4 times per week. Also……I remember to give joy to others in very simple ways.
7.) What is your favorite thing about Omaha ?
I truly enjoy the simplicity of Omaha . Omaha is a place that you can truly be successful if you get an education, work hard, and collaborate well with people.
8.) What is the last good book that you read?
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (Author of the Da Vinci Code)
9.) How can people contact you?
(402)-548-4304