Forum: CHC strengthening to deliver care its patients need

By Kathy Solberg / Herald Forum

I am a new member of the Community Health Center of Snohomish County’s Board of Directors. I have served in nonprofits as an executive director over the years, led boards and served on many local and national boards.

As part of a personal hiatus, I rolled off the boards I served on and only this year chose to return to board service. My decision process was one of discernment as I wanted to have deep respect for the organization, serve in a way that had the ability to make a difference and work with a leader whose leadership and vision I could hold up as bold and visionary. I wanted to reflect my thoughts as a citizen right now rather than a board member.

As a credentialed human systems expert and leader in social innovation, it is not difficult to notice in our world that most systems have deep learning and pivoting to do in our post pandemic world. Health care, education and social services lead the pack.

I believe we must find ways to collaborate, serve those that are most vulnerable and increase access. I often say, if systems change was easy, someone would have done it by now. All of these changes require incremental change that is methodical and set up for long-term success. This scares most of us, especially those who have long served in the system. Sometimes change appears to impact those we serve and that is often what prevents many from taking action. Incremental steps must be taken to increase long-term effectiveness and efficiency.

I chose to join the CHC Board of Directors because they meet people where they are at. They are forming key collaborations, with schools, organizations serving the homeless, and everyday patients like some of my family. I volunteered with a woman who I took to the doctor twice a month for four years and her CHC physician saw her, treated her like a whole person and honored the dignity of her humanity. I have always been impressed with CHC physicians, dentists and nurses.

Did you know CHC served 624 students last year at Meadowdale High School alone? The Dental Call Center in 2023 had more than 86,000 visits and a 17 percent increase in patients. They have updated their website and phone, text and chat systems.

I was so impressed with CHC Chief Executive Officer Joe Vessey’s financial background and expertise, bold vision and collaborative management style. I see the commitment of the nurses and the patient satisfaction. Working in health care now is not easy and keeping the eye on the patient is what I see CHC doing as it works to provide the infrastructure necessary for long-term success, growth and stability.

Staff shortages at every medical facility are among the greatest of challenges. As is burnout as every workplace is still recovering from defining work norms after the pandemic. As individuals, our mental health needs to tend to ourselves are greater in a world that demands so much more from us. I was excited to see a key workforce development initiative that reinvests in its own employees.

In these challenging times, the health care system everywhere stands at a crossroads where financial pressures collide with the fundamental mission of care. The system’s fractures are evident, and the decisions all leaders face are undeniably difficult. I know when we anchor ourselves to strong and bold vision and hold strong to sight of those we serve, we will navigate through these turbulent waters.

I watch Community Health Centers holding fast to its purpose with the knowledge that choices can be transformed into tomorrow’s healing solutions. I applaud and am here to support CHC’s investment in the community, its employees, access to dental services, school-based health care and innovation to serve and most importantly their dedication to create a healthy community through access to health care for everyone.

I am excited to see visionary leadership combined with compassion, persistence and resilience and know that during each board meeting I am looking at the big picture with a constant reminder of who we serve and why we are here.

Kathy Solberg leads a consulting business, CommonUnity. Learn more at www.commonunity-us.com.