Social Sciences Alumna Receives Health Justice Award
By Emmi van Zoest
Deysi Merino-Gonzalez, a 2015 Cal State San Marcos graduate, was recently selected as the recipient of the fourth annual Kugel & Zuroweste Health Justice Award.
The award is given yearly by the Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN), a national nonprofit focused on the health needs of migrants, immigrants, asylum seekers and other underserved communities. This honor is awarded to early-career clinicians who show a significant dedication to health justice, demonstrate leadership and make an impact at the intersections of vulnerability, migration and health.
Merino-Gonzalez has worked in the Migrant Health department at Vista Community Clinic for three years, providing critical support to the migrant and immigrant community of San Diego County. Merino-Gonzalez uses her unique perspective, background of understanding and empathetic nature to provide her community with the best care possible.
Candace Kugel and Ed Zuroweste, award creators and namesakes, explained that the former social science major, “clearly personifies the criteria we look for in a recipient of the Kugel & Zuroweste Health Justice Award.” Merino-Gonzalez will receive a gift in the amount of $1,000 and recognition across MCN’s network of partners, collaborators and constituents.
Merino-Gonzalez and other finalists will be honored on Jan. 30.
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