Tyrone Efferson

Community Health Worker / St Vincent's Manhattan / New York, NY

Tyrone Efferson has worked as a community health worker in the Pediatrics Psych unit at St. Vincent's Manhattan for almost 18 years. His experience in the field spans over 27 years.

He never thought he'd build a career out of his interest in helping kids. For years, Tyrone coordinated various summer programs such as boxing and a baseball league. The absence of youth programs in his community spurred him on. He understood the importance of giving kids an outlet, which would steer them away from getting into trouble. "I was trying to get to them before they became a statistic, and to show them there were adults that cared about them" said Tyrone. The community demonstrated its commitment to the youth by donations that helped fund the programs.

Tyrone's dedication to youth earned him a reputation, which led to his first job in the mental health field working at the neighborhood group home for kids.  In his current position at the hospital, he has an opportunity to be a role model to the youth he briefly works with.  "Unfortunately in an acute care system the patients stay is short, so I'm limited in what I can do," stated Tyrone. Even so, he feels he has a positive impact on their lives.