Bremen High School Students Engage in Healthcare Program

Aaliyah Zuniga, a senior at Bremen High School in Midlothian, distributed produce, vegetable plants, and information about food pantries and assistance programs at TCA Health in Dolton. She participated in a hands-on program for students interested in healthcare careers. Zuniga expressed her appreciation for gaining insight into the medical field, emphasizing her aspiration to become a nurse specializing in newborn care.

Zuniga was one of 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, now in its second year. Students onboarded with the Sinai Urban Health Institute during the spring of 2026, with eight students advancing to a six-week summer internship from June 22 to July 31. Zuniga noted learning about HIV tests offered at the clinic, highlighting her interest in public health within her community.

The interns collaborated with TCA Health, Arab American Family Services in Worth, and Family Christian Health Center in Harvey. They gained practical experience in CPR/AED, first aid, stop the bleed, and trauma-informed care. This year, the program received funding from Bremen School District 228, Cook County Department of Public Health, and the Michael Reese Health Trust as the previous support from the Centers for Disease Control wasn’t renewed.

In addition, students from Bremen, Tinley Park, and Hillcrest high schools produced a video addressing vaping dangers. Efrat Stein, director of public health communications for the Cook County Department of Public Health, guided the students in production, acting, and speaking roles. The video, titled “Ditch the Cloud,” formed part of a broader public health campaign.

Xandria Hair, associate program director, highlighted the program’s role in broadening students’ understanding of public health and related careers while earning college credit. She praised the students’ willingness to engage with public health and influence their peers positively, bringing innovative ideas to the program. Hair acknowledged the humility and openness of the participants.

Renee Mack, director of career readiness for District 228, noted the increase in student interest in healthcare. She expressed pride in their commitment to the training and their future healthcare pathways.

Ryan Red, a junior at Bremen High School, saw the program as a starting point. He learned basic healthcare tasks and valuable lessons, such as not accepting gifts from patients. Christopher Roman, a senior from Markham, gained insight into managing situations in the healthcare field, like ensuring safety when visiting patient homes, and handling patient outreach.

For Analy Calderon, a Bremen senior in Midlothian, her interest in healthcare stemmed from a desire to help others.

Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.