With heart, humor, and quiet determination, Alicia Simms weaves care into every corner of Beckham County
When Alicia Simms walks into the Beckham County Health Department each morning, she doesn’t just unlock a door—she unlocks access. To car seats, Medicaid, safe sleep resources, community partners, and most of all, peace of mind.
“I’m a Community Health Worker, a Pregnancy Resource Navigator, and a Child Passenger Safety Technician,” Alicia explains. “Basically, I’m an unlicensed social worker. I help people access services they might not even know exist—or know how to ask for.”
It’s a long title, but the real definition is this: she’s the person people trust when life gets hard.
BEYOND THE BRICK AND MORTAR Though she’s based in Elk City, Alicia’s work reaches far beyond city limits. She covers Beckham, Greer, and Washita counties— sometimes out of her office, sometimes from the driver’s seat of her car, always with a purpose. “Any time you walk through the health department doors, count on an hour—but sometimes, it only takes ten minutes,” she says with a smile.
One of the services she’s most passionate about is helping parents— new and experienced, married or single, confident or nervous—prepare for life with a newborn. “It doesn’t have to be your first baby. It can be your tenth,” she laughs. “But maybe we should have a different talk if it’s number ten.”
ALL ARE WELCOME
The Pregnancy Resource Navigator program is open to anyone expecting a child or raising an infant under six months. Caregivers don’t have to meet income qualifications or be the legal parent. Alicia often works with dads, grandparents, and even neighbors—anyone stepping up to care for a child.
She meets people where they are, with no judgment—just a focus on healthy outcomes and reliable access to help.
FROM PACK ’N PLAYS TO SAFE SLEEP Through state programs, Alicia provides Pack ’n Plays, diapers, car seats, and safe sleep education. She takes time to explain that those soft, plush cribs full of blankets and stuffed animals might look cute—but they’re a real hazard for newborns.
“We make sure families have a firm, flat surface for their baby to sleep safely—without extra frills or risk,” she said. She’s also quick to note that even if someone walks in with nothing but questions, they won’t walk out empty-handed.
THE EVENT THAT KEEPS GROWING Alicia’s biggest event of the year—and her favorite—is the Beckham County Community Baby Shower, now entering its fourth year.
“It started as a whirlwind idea in 2022,” she recalls. “We had about two months to plan it. I was terrified.”
That first event welcomed around 50 people. Last year brought in more than 150, and this year, with 17 vendors already signed up, Alicia is expecting another record turnout.
Set for April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Western Technology Center in Elk City, the event is free to attend and open to anyone in the community—not just expectant parents.
“There’ll be booths full of resources, raffles, door prizes, and hands-on education,” she said. “You don’t have to be expecting. You don’t even have to be a parent. Chances are, you’ll meet a baby soon. We want everyone to feel welcome.”
A COMMUNITY CONNECTION THAT LASTS After more than a decade with the health department, Alicia has become a familiar face throughout Beckham County— and often a familiar helper in unexpected places.
Whether it’s assisting with SNAP applications, setting up car seat fittings, or giving someone directions to a food pantry, she’s never far away from being a lifeline.
Even a routine trip to Walmart becomes part of the job. “I get stopped a lot,” she said. “Car seat questions, Medicaid questions, people just needing help. I never mind—it reminds me that I’m doing something that matters.”
REFILLING THE CUP
When asked how she stays grounded after so many years of helping people in crisis, Alicia smiles. “Sometimes I hide,” she admits. “But mostly, I go home to my plants, my niece and nephew, and the little farm I grew up on. That’s how I refill my cup.”
And then she comes back. Because someone’s refrigerator went out, or their baby’s car seat is expired, or they just need to know they aren’t alone.
Alicia Simms will be there. Clipboard in hand. Smile on her face.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Beckham County Community Baby Shower Thursday, April 25 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Western Technology Center, Elk City Free. Family-friendly. Full of heart.
If you would like to meet Alicia, or anyone else from the Health Department, Beckham County Health Department’s Elk City location will be hosting an open house event on April 7th from 1 pm until 4 pm.
