Españiola "Espa" Bowen

Administrative Programs Manager,
Health Facility System

22.5 years of service

Got any favorite quotes?

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”

-Martin Luther King

Who inspires you?

My family, my staff and my boss who allow me to apply my creativity and consider my suggestions for good use in my department.

If someone was interested in a public health career, what advice or encouragement would you give them?

Do your research on public health. Make sure you are passionate about working in public health, because it is not for everyone. Be honest in the work that you do, be committed, take breaks, be respectful and do not take the work home with you.

What is the most rewarding experience you have had in public health?

The most rewarding experience I have had in public health is knowing I have made a difference in the way access to care is being delivered throughout the communities in the state of Oklahoma.

How did you start working in public health?

In July 1997, I started in the Health Resources Division under Dr. Henry Hartsell, providing assistance with the HMO complaints, quality assurance reviews and Independent reviews on HMOs.

In September 2007, I went on to work in the Office of Primary and Rural Health Development. In this role, my job was to ensure the underserved population across our state were properly receiving health care services through the community health centers and rural health clinics. Also making sure doctors and nurses were recruited and available to work in those areas to provide the needed services through NHSC loan repayment programs.

In October 2015, I returned to the Protect Health Service Division to further my career in public health by taking a position in the Health Resource Development area to administer the Jails Division program, Certified Work Place Medical Plans, HMO Certificate of Authority, and Home Care Administrator Program.

In May of 2016, I expanded to fill the needs of the health facility licensure program.

Can you share a few highlights of your experience in public health in Oklahoma?

Traveling through the state administering the National Health Service Corp Loan Repayment program; assisting in the creation of new community health centers in underserved areas; and assisting in the process for ensuring all families needing HMO external review services was processed and completed in a timely manner. Most of all, making sure our long term care facilities are being licensed and providing top quality care to the elderly, veterans and disabled continents.

In your role, how do you educate people about public health?

I ask them to think outside the box about how they would want their family member or loved one to receive care and treatment at a facility or at a community health center? To be able to offer my knowledge, skills, and ability on what I have seen, learned, and helped provide in promoting better health.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

My most difficult job is saying no.

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