Showing Up with Compassion: Celebrating National Intern Day at AllThrive 365

Each year, National Intern Day on July 31st reminds us to recognize the contributions, growth, and potential of interns across the country. At AllThrive 365, we believe in championing emerging leaders who are ready to challenge norms, build community trust, and drive bold innovations. Today, we’re proud to spotlight one of our newest interns, Anaiah Kokumo-Craig, a passionate Master of Public Health (MPH) student working alongside our Transitional Care team to improve health outcomes and reduce hospitalizations for some of Arizona’s most under-resourced residents. 

Originally born in Ohio and raised in Arizona, Anaiah is no stranger to the local landscape. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Arizona State University, she is now pursuing an MPH in Health Services Administration at the University of Arizona, with a passion for women’s health, elder care, and disease care. Her path has been shaped by hands-on experiences in hospital systems like HonorHealth and Banner Health, as well as international work in Catania Sicily, Italy—where she studied Mediterranean “Blue Zones” and food systems. 

Anaiah’s decision to join AllThrive 365 was deeply rooted in both personal relationships and professional goals. “It was a mix of community connections, college advisors, and my own interest in program development and social determinants of health,” she shared. “People kept mentioning AllThrive 365 as a place with a long legacy of community building and trust. I saw this as a chance to support public health at the ground level.” 

Since July 1st, she’s been embedded with our Transitional Care Program, supporting patient engagement, care coordination, and quality improvement efforts. From her very first observation day, she witnessed the genuine relationships built between care coordinators and patients. “It’s one thing to learn about health disparities in the classroom, but it’s another to see a patient get same-day support. We were able to bring immediate relief by providing the patient with a glucose test, from right downstairs—because someone took the time to check in and build trust.” 

She’s especially excited to dive into shaping the team’s Quality Improvement Plan and Training Guide, which will continue through the Fall. Her daily support includes outreach calls, tracking referrals, and thinking creatively about how our programs can close care gaps—like connecting patients to our Kindness Closet for medical supplies and equipment 

AllThrive 365’s Transitional Care program keeps our Kindness Closets’ stocked with Durable Medical Equipment, that can ease burdens and reduce rehospitalizations for patients across the Valley.

Anaiah’s experience so far has deepened her understanding of the challenges facing under-resourced communities: “We need more funding for smaller clinics and technology support. Community Health Workers are critical to meeting people where they are across every stage of life, from nutrition to work to play.” 

When asked which AllThrive 365 value resonates most, Anaiah didn’t hesitate: Compassion. She recalled a dementia patient whose face lit up each time she visited. The pair would watch the Hallmark Channel together and take short walks around the neighborhood. Over time, the pair built a genuine friendship, one that reminded Anaiah how powerful compassion can be. She didn’t treat this person as just a patient, but as a whole person. 

“I wasn’t a nurse, just someone who showed up and cared. Her family later sent a thank-you letter. That kind of human connection—that’s what health really is,” Anaiah said.  

As she continues her internship through the Fall, we’re honored to walk alongside her on this journey. Her commitment to equity, empathy, and innovation reminds us that the future of public health is in good hands and it’s brighter than ever.