As a Medical Site Screener, Taaury Paquette is the first face many people see when entering the hospital. In this role, she helps ensure staff and patients’ health and safety. For example, she screens each visitor COVID-19 before they come in. As part of the Southcoast Health community for five years, Taaury stepped up last summer when she transitioned out of her role as a per diem cafeteria team lead and food service worker. Now, she is in a full-time position, helping the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Taaury’s childhood dream has been working in a hospital setting. Therefore, she is excited that her new role in patient care at the hospital. One thing she has learned from the pandemic: “Every day is different, and now more than ever it’s important to show compassion, understanding, and empathy. This new normal is tough to navigate for all of us, but we are doing it together,” says Taaury.

The Significance of Black History Month

To Taaury, the significance of Black History Month is to celebrate her heritage. As well as, recognizing the accomplishments of people of color throughout history. In light of the George Floyd tragedy, racial injustice is one of the largest problems the nation is currently facing. As an African American female, Taaury shared that it sometimes feels like there are limitations that she sets for herself based on how she looks. Being able to overcome this personal challenge and create a different mindset is important to her as she continues to work towards achieving her goals with hard work and determination.

“As a person of color, I hope that one day, not everything is seen as black and white. I hope that we can work together with a common goal to educate each other and see all sides of this,” says Taaury. As someone in an interracial marriage, she also wants to spread the message that love is love regardless of ethnic background.

Using Her Platform

During the pandemic, aside from starting a new position at Southcoast Health, Taaury recently started a blog and podcast sharing her passion for mental health advocacy and empowerment. She hopes to use this platform to help educate others and end the stigma around mental illness in society.

Letting her positivity shine, Taaury looks back on the past year as one of both personal and professional growth. She is excited to see what the future holds in both her new role and creative endeavors.

To learn more about how Southcoast Health honors Black History Month and employee profiles, visit our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion page.