EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care, New York, New York, United States: Kemar Asphall, Customer Care Navigator

Written answers to the questions

Total 193 words used.

Kemar Asphall has been part of the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care team for two and a half years. As a Customer Care Navigator, he helps members and non-members with questions about their health coverage, vital community resources, and overall wellness. Whether it's explaining health plan benefits or care coordination, Kemar approaches every situation with unwavering kindness, warmth, and patience. His tireless commitment to helping community members navigate the often-complex health care landscape sets him apart as an advocate for those who need it the most. A recent testimonial from a member revealed that Kemar had helped this member after a life-changing MS diagnosis. Kemar helped her understand her health plan benefits, developed a care team with a primary care doctor and specialists, and connected her to resources to help manage her chronic condition. To this day, he helps her schedule appointments and follows up to ensure that she follows her treatment plan. She considers Kemar to be family and will often stop by to simply say hello. Kemar’s ability to connect with the community, understand how he can be of service, and then act on that impulse is a testament to his exceptional character. 

Total 209 words used.

As a representative of EmblemHealth, Kemar goes above and beyond to support the needs of the communities we serve. He successfully mobilized local community organizations for several Pride events across Brooklyn that provided free and confidential HIV screenings, wellness resources specifically tailored to the LGBTQ+ community (obtaining PrEP, mental and emotional well-being resources, community support systems, and more), and connections to resources like affordable food, housing, and transportation.  To achieve this feat, Kemar leveraged his personal relationships from previous roles, demonstrating a personal commitment to supporting his community.

Kemar continues to bring free and confidential HIV and mental health screenings for EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care events through his relationship with the Haitian American Coalition by leading the intricate process of obtaining certified providers, supporting the needs of the marketing and programming teams, and being an on-site resource for members and the community.

In addition, Kemar has become an EmblemHealth social media ambassador tackling important health care topics such as health literacy, mental well-being, accessing HIV testing, nutrition for diabetes, and more. His willingness to support the health and wellness of our members has put him at the center of many of our social media campaigns and has sparked interest in topics that are essential for our members and the community.

Total 120 words used.

1. Attached is a deck with peer and manager reviews of Kemar and a gallery of images of him supporting community members and various events.
    
2. Attached is a brochure and one-pager that provide context about EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care, locations, and available services. Kemar is integral in delivering these resources.
    
3. Here is a link to a video where Abra Parker, an EmblemHealth member, shares how Kemar assisted her after her MS diagnosis.
    
4. Attached are event flyers for the Pride health and wellness events, where Kemar played a pivotal role in organizing internal resources and community partners.
    
5. Here are links to various social media campaigns in which Kemar shares helpful tips on vital health and wellness topics:
    
   1. Health literacy.
       
   2. HIV testing.
       
   3. Mental well-being.  

Total 250 words used.

Kemar’s achievements are exceptional, setting him apart in the health care industry and among his peers due to his persistence and tireless focus on inclusion at all levels. He actively engages with community members and local organizations to create a measurable impact, evidenced by member testimonials. His extensive network is a cornerstone of his success, enabling him to secure critical resources for EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care and elevating programming to levels that stand out both internally and externally. His managers credit him with making their locations shine within the larger organization, noting that his direct involvement amplifies their reach and effectiveness. Kemar fosters personal relationships with everyone he meets; he calls, follows up, and shows genuine care for everyone. Although his ability to connect with people on a personal level is a character trait, it’s his emphasis on inclusion that makes him stand out among his peers. He opens doors within his network and involves others in conversations, including his direct manager, other leaders, and community figures, to leverage resources for the benefit of the communities we serve. Kemar specifically focuses on addressing health and equity gaps for underserved populations, such as the LGBTQ+ community, those with substance use disorders, and the unhoused, making a meaningful difference where it is most needed. He carries out this work without any expectation of recognition from his peers or leaders; to him, it is simply part of the job. His passion and dedication to serving others are unparalleled in their depth, breadth, and impact.