Minority Health Month: Opening Doors, One Conversation at a Time

At Gunnison Valley Health, two extraordinary team members—Cinthia Sanz and Yudit Zeferino Serrano, both bilingual patient navigators—are transforming the way we connect with our non-English speaking and minority communities. While they may not wear scrubs or deliver care at the bedside, the work they do is essential to fulfilling our vision of promoting lifelong health and wellness to a vibrant and diverse community. 

Cinthia and Yudit are often the first friendly faces a patient sees when language or cultural barriers feel overwhelming. Their presence is more than helpful—it’s life-changing. But to understand the power of what they do, it helps to understand their journeys that brought them here. 

Cinthia Saenz arrived in Gunnison 21 years ago, originally on vacation. But as she puts it, “Like many people here, I came to visit and I stayed. What started as a temporary trip quickly turned into a calling. 

In those early years, Cinthia worked as a hairstylist, becoming a familiar face and trusted confidante in the Latino community. Clients would open up in her chair about their struggles navigating everyday life in a new country. When people learned she spoke both Spanish and English, they began asking her to accompany them to medical appointments, not as a certified interpreter, but as a friend. “I just wanted to help,” she said. “There were no interpreters. Nothing in the hospital. So, I started going everywhere—banks, clinics, you name it.” 

Her desire to help led her to co-found Immigrantes Unidos de Gunnison, a local group dedicated to educating immigrants on life in the U.S., including how to access health care. When the opportunity came to take a medical interpreter course, she jumped on it. “I failed the test the first time,” Cinthia admits, “my mom was in the emergency room in Denver, and it was so stressful. But my teacher said, ‘Cinthia, you were one of the best students.’ So I tried again—and I passed with flying colors.” 

That certification opened the door to work as a medical interpreter and later brought her into closer collaboration with the health system. When leaders at Gunnison Valley Health began hearing about the specific challenges facing the immigrant community, they were moved to act. “We had these big meetings where people shared stories about the difficulties of not knowing the processes of the healthcare system or the language,” Cinthia said. Those conversations sparked the creation of a new position, bilingual Patient Navigator and there was no better fit than Cinthia. 

Today, Cinthia spends less time interpreting and instead works to bridge cultural gaps, connect minority patients with resources, and ensure no one feels alone in their health care journey.  

Alongside Cinthia is Yudit Zeferino Serrano, who began her journey at Gunnison Valley Health’s Environmental Services department. Cinthia immediately recognized Yudit’s heart for service. “When I started working for GVH, I had no idea I would be in a patient facing position”, says Yudit. “I am honored to be able to help our community in ways I could have never imagined.” Fluent in English, Spanish and Cora—an Indigenous language spoken in parts of Mexico—Yudit brings a unique and vital skill set to the role of bilingual patient navigator. Her ability to communicate with patients in their native language builds trust and understanding during what can often be emotional or vulnerable moments. Like Cinthia, Yudit is a steady source of comfort, compassion and clarity for patients and families. 

Together, they support patients in some of life’s most vulnerable and memorable moments. They help explain procedures, calm fears and celebrate new life. “I was with two moms who had their babies here,” Saenz said. “They were so happy. They said they were treated like queens.” 

When asked what message she would share with the immigrant community in Gunnison, Cinthia didn’t hesitate: 

“We prioritize our family, our work, and sometimes forget our health. But if we’re not healthy, we can’t work. We can’t be there for our children as they grow. We’re here for a purpose—and even when it’s hard, we can help each other open the doors.” 

If you or someone you know could benefit from connecting with Cinthia or Yudit, they are here to help. You can reach them through Gunnison Valley Health at 970-648-7740.