For National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2026, we are highlighting some of the incredible volunteers for the Physicians CareConnection (PCC) who are essential to their mission to support the most vulnerable in our community. 

Jennifer Trinidad, DPM, FACFAS, is a podiatric medicine and surgery specialist at Hilliard Family Podiatry, LLC. Dr. Trinidad has volunteered with PCC for more than eight years and in 2019 was honored with their Outstanding Volunteer Provider award. 

What is your volunteer role at Physicians CareConnection? 

I volunteer as a podiatrist providing foot and ankle care to underserved patients in our community. This includes evaluating and treating conditions such as diabetic foot complications, infections, wounds, and painful foot disorders. Many of these patients would otherwise go without care, so being able to step in and help prevent more serious complications is incredibly meaningful. 

What inspired you to volunteer? 

As a physician, I have always felt a responsibility to use my skills to help those who may not have access to care.  In podiatry, especially diabetic patients, early intervention can prevent serious outcomes like infection or amputation. Knowing that I can make that kind of impact for someone who might otherwise fall through the cracks is what truly inspired me to volunteer. 

Why is it important for you to volunteer with PCC? 

Physicians CareConnection creates a bridge between patients in need and physicians who are willing to help. It allows me to extend my care beyond my private practice, Hilliard Family PODIATRY, reaching individuals who may not have insurance or resources. It aligns with why I went into medicine in the first place and that is to help people in a meaningful way. 

Why do you think PCC is important for the community? 

PCC plays a critical role in improving access to healthcare for underserved populations. By coordinating care among volunteer physicians it helps prevent minor conditions from becoming major health crises. This not only improves individual patient outcomes but also strengthens the overall health of the community. 

When you are not volunteering, how do you use your time? 

When I am not volunteering, I spend my time running my podiatry practice and caring for my three children, Hunter (16), Weston (14), and Roxanne (11). I value my time to recharge whether it is enjoying playing music (guitar or piano) and staying active in our backyard with a hobby of raising chickens for eggs. I love animals and have three cats, one snake, two turtles, one dog and 5 chickens. 

Dedicated volunteers are vital to PCC’s life-saving work, and more health care providers are needed. We are seeking physician volunteers to help us meet the growing demand for comprehensive healthcare services and ensure that more people in our community have access to the care they need and deserve. Click here to learn more.

September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month (NIMAM), a month to highlight the continued need to address the critical challenges impacting women's mental and physical health. 

Physicians CareConnection (PCC) has played a key role in reducing infant mortality rates by integrating maternal health resources and providing comprehensive support to pregnant women through the PCC Center for Optimal Care. 

PCC have focused on African American women, who face disproportionately high maternal and infant health risks, with a wholistic approach that includes culturally competent care coordination, high performing partnerships, and community-driven initiatives to remove barriers to essential healthcare services.

Key achievements in 2024 include: 

• Prenatal Care: PCC scheduled 363 prenatal appointments for pregnant women, ensuring timely care through partnerships with hospitals and providers. 
• Healthy Pregnancy Outcomes: 40 births, 29 (73%) were full term and 36 (90%) were healthy birth weight.
• Transportation Assistance: 738 one-way trips enabled women to attend critical medical appointments. 
• Housing Supports: Rent and utility payments for 60 vulnerable pregnant mothers alleviated stress during maternity leave, allowing for recovery and workforce reintegration. 
• Substance Use Treatment: PCC connected 26 women with treatment and recovery services, addressing substance use challenges.

Dedicated volunteers are vital to PCC’s life-saving work, and more health care providers are needed. We are seeking primary care provider volunteers to help us meet the growing demand for comprehensive healthcare services and ensure that more people in our community have access to the care they need and deserve.

To learn more:

• PCC website
• Volunteer information