The health department’s nursing division is made up of clinical and non-clinical staff members, each playing an important role in protecting the health of Putnam County residents. Long-time staff member Arline Arias-Revilla is one of the invaluable members of this team and is often recognized in public by the many families she has helped over the years. Initially in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Arline has worked in many other areas of the health department finally landing in nursing. This gives her the unique perspective of understanding the many reasons people come to the health department, and how she can best meet their needs. Continue reading to learn more about Arline.

What is your favorite part of working at the health department?

Honestly? It’s the people. Both the community we serve, and my coworkers make this job worth it. Every day is different….One day I’m answering questions, the next I’m solving a puzzle that nobody even realized was a puzzle. Keeps me on my toes! Plus, there’s something really satisfying about knowing you’re helping people in ways that truly matter.

Is there a particularly rewarding experience you’d like to share?

Yes! I once helped a family who didn’t realize they qualified for services. Watching the relief on their faces when everything clicked was priceless. It’s moments like that when you think, “Okay, this is why I put up with the endless emails.”

What does your day-to-day work look like?

A little bit of everything! Some days I’m buried in paperwork, some days I’m on the computer non-stop, and other days I feel like a detective trying to figure out who needs what. It’s a mix of structures and surprises kind of like a box of chocolates, but with more spreadsheets.

What do you wish the public knew about your job?

That there’s so much happening behind the curtain! People see the programs and services, but they don’t always realize the planning, coordination, and caffeine that go into making it all work. We’re not magicians… but we come close sometimes.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Listen more than you talk. Which, to be fair, is harder on days when I’ve had a lot of coffee. But it’s true most of the time, people already have the answers inside them. They just need someone to help connect the dots.

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Patience is everything. Things don’t always move fast in public health, and sometimes you’ve got to remind yourself that progress is still progress even if it crawls. I’ve also learned that teamwork is non-negotiable. Nobody does this work alone, and the best solutions always come from collaboration (and maybe snacks during meetings).

For more information about the different services offered at the health department, visit the website at putnamcountyny.gov/health.