Elijah spent a short time in this position when his role changed to taking a part of the Navajo Health Command Operations Center's Strike Team. As a strike team member, a person offers his/her assistance in making life easily manageable for those at high risk for COVID-19 and for those who are positive and isolated. The mission of each member is to provide services to keep all of the Navajo residents safe.

"What keeps me motivated is knowing that my team is delivering to the high risk, elderly, and COVID-19 patients and letting them know that we are there to help them during these hard times. No one should overcome this battle alone, and we need to be there for one another."

"Being in the public health field is very vigorous and rewarding, especially when you know you are helping your community. Interacting with elderly community members when delivering food has been the most memorable experience. Elders are grateful for receiving the essential supplies they need – especially those who live in rural areas. Seeing them smile lights up my day and reminds me of why I chose to be in the public health field."

Elijah and his team are working hard to reach community members who live in the more rural areas of the Tuba City service area. He stated that most rural families and individuals do not have the same opportunities and resources as residents who live near towns.