10/15/2026
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
This month, we’re proud to spotlight some of our incredible Hispanic healthcare heroes at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. Their dedication, compassion, and excellence strengthen our care every day.
Jessica Arocho, Director of Community Affairs
With over 30 years of service to the Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Bed-Stuy communities, Jessica Arocho is a passionate healthcare advocate and a devoted community leader. As the Director of Community Affairs at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, Jessica’s role is centered on fostering meaningful partnerships with local organizations, businesses, faith-based groups, law enforcement, schools, and elected officials. She works tirelessly to ensure that residents receive the support and resources they need, all while championing patient rights and hospital improvements.
Jessica’s commitment to Woodhull Hospital spans more than three decades, beginning in her teenage years through the Summer Youth Employment Program and evolving into a lifelong dedication to healthcare and civic engagement. As Chair of the Woodhull Community Advisory Board (CAB) for five years and Vice Chair of the NYC Health + Hospitals Council of CABs, she has built strong, lasting relationships with community leaders and elected officials to advocate for Woodhull’s operational and capital needs.
Her love for the community is deeply rooted in personal experience. Having considered Woodhull Hospital a “second home” during her high school years, Jessica’s advocacy for the hospital and its patients is driven by her belief in its vital role as the neighborhood’s healthcare anchor. She works with local organizations, schools, religious institutions, and government bodies to ensure that Woodhull’s services are accessible and responsive to the needs of the community.
Beyond her leadership at Woodhull, Jessica is a pillar of support for various community initiatives. She has served on several boards and committees, including:
• Board of Trustees Member, Boricua College
• Board of Directors Member, Bushwick United Head Start
• Leadership Committee Member, PS 59 & Progress High School
• Judicial Delegate, 53rd Assembly District
• Community Advocate, Shape Up Bushwick
Jessica is also dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable in the community. She has helped establish and manage several organizations focused on assisting children, seniors, and Latina residents, including Community Advocates for Williamsburg and Bushwick, Pal Pueblo Charity, and CAPICU Poetry and Cultural Showcase.
Jessica’s guiding principle is simple: her purpose is to better the lives of others. Whether through advocating for healthcare improvements, promoting civic engagement, or uplifting those in need, she is unwavering in her commitment to making the world a better place for all.
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