Meet Amy Voris: a trusted partner in any emergency

Submitted by Fishers Health Department

When Amy Voris reflects on her career in public health, it’s evident that her work is more than just a job – it’s a calling. With 15 years of nursing experience, her job has taken her from hospital floors to tracking communicable diseases to handling Indiana’s first COVID-19 case. Each step has shaped her path to her current role at the Fishers Health Department (FHD).

Voris spent a decade in another health department, immersing herself in communicable disease tracking and emergency preparedness. Then, she took notice of FHD, struck by their innovative and tenacious approach to building a public health department from the ground up in the midst of a global pandemic.

“Working for FHD seemed like a unique and exciting opportunity,” she recalled.

Today, Voris role at FHD is multifaceted. Working primarily in the immunization clinic, she also handles communicable disease investigations, oversees tuberculosis cases, and leads FHD’s emergency preparedness initiative as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. Her experience in crisis management, particularly as the lead responder for Indiana’s first COVID-19 case in March 2020, has uniquely prepared her for the demands of her position.

Reflecting on that defining experience, Voris grows emotional.

“There was very little knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 at that time, so it was very overwhelming,” she said. Serving as the liaison between the patient and public health officials, she gathered crucial exposure information and coordinated with state and federal agencies. In a powerful moment, she met the patient face-to-face outdoors and at a distance, removing her mask briefly to offer comfort amid the uncertainty.

“This is a person – they deserve to see my whole face and feel that connection,” Voris shared, exemplifying her compassionate approach to care.

At FHD, she brings this same compassion and dedication. She works tirelessly behind-the-scenes to ensure that supplies, networks, and resources are ready for public health crises. She highlights the importance of pre-established partnerships, noting that “the time for trading business cards is not during an emergency.”

Voris’ proactive efforts strengthen FHD’s readiness for any situation.

She credits FHD’s strong supportive team and visionary leadership for creating an environment where impactful work is possible. “The leadership here isn’t afraid to embrace change or cut through red tape to improve services for the community,” she notes.

For Voris, the most fulfilling part of her work is knowing she provides essential care that might otherwise be unavailable. Her dedication has made her a trusted presence in Fishers public health, demonstrating the profound impact committed individuals can have on their communities. Through Amy’s tireless efforts, Fishers is not just prepared – it’s protected and well cared for.