CareSouth Carolina’s Iris Murillo Earns Certified Community Health Worker Credential

CareSouth Carolina’s Yanahires “Iris” Murillo, Agricultural Outreach Specialist, has successfully completed the Community Health Worker (CHW) Core Competency Certification Training and earned her credential as a Certified Community Health Worker.

The certification recognizes Murillo’s commitment to connecting patients with healthcare services, community resources, and support systems that improve overall health and well-being. Earlier this year, she was recognized as Agricultural Outreach Worker of the Year by the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association.

Murillo plays a vital role in CareSouth Carolina’s Agricultural Worker Health Program, helping patients understand available services, navigate the healthcare system, and overcome barriers that may prevent them from seeking care. As a bilingual team member, she works closely with Spanish-speaking patients, helping ensure they feel comfortable and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

“Earning my Certified Community Health Worker credential is a meaningful achievement that recognizes my dedication to helping others,” Murillo said. “It strengthens my ability to connect patients with resources, advocate for their needs, and improve their overall well-being at CareSouth Carolina. I am especially proud to have completed the certification exam in Spanish, demonstrating my commitment to supporting Spanish-speaking patients and reducing language barriers in healthcare.”

Murillo said her passion for helping others continues to drive her work every day.

“The biggest thing that motivates me is knowing I’ve helped someone,” she said. “I especially enjoy assisting people who don’t speak or understand English because I can help bridge that communication gap and make their experience easier and more comfortable.”

Marek Calhoun, Director of Social and Community Services at CareSouth Carolina, said her certification will “strengthen the organization’s efforts to serve diverse populations across its communities.”

“Iris's accomplishment strengthens CareSouth Carolina's mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve, particularly within our agricultural outreach efforts,” Calhoun said. “Her bilingual skills and newly earned certification will enhance our ability to reach and assist individuals and families who may face language and cultural barriers to care.

“We are incredibly proud of Iris's hard work, determination, and commitment to professional growth.”

Murillo joined CareSouth Carolina in April 2025 and quickly made an impact through her outreach efforts, helping agricultural workers connect with essential healthcare services while building trust within the communities she serves.

CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community health center delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.

Services provided by CareSouth Carolina include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, infectious disease primary care, IV therapy, substance abuse prevention, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, senior support services, family support services, clinical counseling, laboratory, ultrasound, X-Ray, agricultural worker health services, podiatry, and veterans choice provider.