At 17, Annabel Luna-Smith arrived in the U.S. from Venezuela with limited English. She had to learn how to navigate college and access healthcare in a new country. Now, as a community engagement strategist at UNT Health Fort Worth, Luna-Smith connects institutions to residents and patients to services.

Helping Newcomers

Luna-Smith’s work has earned her a nomination for 52 Faces of Community, a Fort Worth Report series highlighting local unsung heroes. She is described as a “road map” for newcomers and underserved residents, helping them access healthcare and other resources.

Luna-Smith’s drive comes from her father, who learned English and became a businessman in Venezuela. She saw him hustle and figure things out, and she does the same in her work. After college, Luna-Smith moved to Texas and took a patient liaison job at JPS Health Network, where she helped patients and families understand appointments, paperwork, and resources.

At UNT Health, Luna-Smith connects the institution with community partners and sends students into communities to understand healthcare needs. She also serves on the bilingual education advisory board for James L. West Center for Dementia Care and volunteers at back-to-school events and church.

Luna-Smith’s work is about providing a human voice and a listening ear to those who need help navigating complex systems. She believes that resources can change a life, but only if people know how to reach them.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.