At Bay Pines VA, delivering positive health care outcomes is just one part of serving Veterans. Another crucial aspect of serving those who’ve served is ensuring that the trust they’ve placed in us remains untarnished.
Christina Flint-Lowe works continuously to ensure Veterans and their loved ones know that at VA they are safe.
“What I value about working at VA is that we get to approach challenges with our Veterans’ care at the forefront. When I worked in the private sector, the model was always very results-driven, but being here flips the script a little. I get to honor the Veteran with each decision I make,” Flint-Lowe said.
American Indian/Alaska Native Special Emphasis program manager
Although she didn’t deepen her connection to her culture until she became an adult, Flint-Lowe’s heritage and her work are inextricably intertwined.
“I am a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. I didn’t grow up on the reservation, but my grandparents were both part of the community. Growing up, they didn’t talk much about being native, but I think part of that was a protective feature. They were living in a time when it wasn’t popular to identify as being Native American.”
When Flint-Lowe did visit her reservation, there was a familiar feeling. The more she learned, the more knowledge she craved and the desire for understanding was deepened when she gave birth to her son.
“My want to learn is not only for myself but for my son, because I want to pass our heritage on to him. Later in my adulthood, I decided to go back to school to receive my masters in Native American Leadership. Through those courses I realized I have a responsibility to something greater than myself.”
In addition to her role as a nurse practitioner, Flint-Lowe also serves as Bay Pines VA’s American Indian/Alaska Native Special Emphasis program manager. In this role, she conducts outreach to local native communities and educates staff about various customs and traditions.
“I encourage people to remain curious and open because, through that process, people reach a mutual understanding and respect of one another. My story is just one of many, but I feel honored to be a representative of the community. It’s something I don’t take lightly.”
Although she has never shied away from voicing what she feels is right, Flint-Lowe knows that being a representative in any capacity requires balance. As both a nurse practitioner and a Special Emphasis program manager, advocacy remains at the forefront of her mind.
“My work requires managing my expectations while truly considering the needs of those around me. Being provided the opportunity to have leadership in both roles at VA fills me with gratitude.”
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Always be proud of yourself, your accomplishments and heritage. It appears you have achieved much already and in an occupation that requires love for others. I can think of few more worthwhile occupations. Good luck in your future.
Christina, thank you so much for what you do for our veterans and their families. .Mitakuye Oyasin.
Christina, I took remember speaking of my family’s heritage in discreet secrecy in our home. I was not comfortable speaking of it in the neighborhood where I grew up. Only to a very few close friends. There was a lot of civil unrest in the country at the time and identifying with your ethnicity wasn’t a good thing in the inner city. But I’ve lost the fear of ridicule and critique and I honor my ancestors and family who’ve gone before me and tell anyone who’ll hear, of my multicultural heritage. Mitakuye Oyasin.
Christina, I too remember speaking of our family’s heritage quietly and discreetly in our home but not so much in my community growing up. I also remember the day that I lost the fear of being ridiculed about it and taking pride in who I and my family are. There was no way I was going to dishonor my relatives who have come before me. Thank you for all that you do for our veterans and their families. Mitakuye oyasin.
For some reason my lengthy comment was just lost so I will simply say Great Job from a very pretty Gal! Again, we love our native Americans!