Howard Brown Health held two community input meetingsNov. 15 at Brown Elephant Andersonville and Nov. 17 at Howard Brown Health 63rd Streetahead of developing its three-year strategic plan.
Howard Brown Health Individual Giving Officer Myles Brady-Davis kicked off the Nov. 15 meeting by noting that there is a lot going on in the world so it is important to get the community's voices heard on where they should focus their efforts in the coming years.
Erik Roldan, Howard Brown's communications director, noted that the election results have changed the focus of the organization's three-year plan; however, he added it is not known how much yet because things are in flux. Roldan added that the primary focus still will be addressing the community's concerns through these meetings and the online community engagement survey that will be available through Dec. 1. He explained that this past year Howard Brown has grown with new clinic locations.
As for new location ideas, attendees mentioned Evanston, the West Side and Little Village.
When asked about the best ways to alert people about what's happening at Howard Brown, speakers said social media, email and/or text messages but it depends on the population they are trying to reach.
In the area of unmet needs, they said the biggest issues are barriers to getting a speedy appointment because of website issues and the phone system not working properly as well as improved customer service at the clinics.
Other concerns revolved around issues such as a lack of response from the CEO and medical professionals, inaccessibility, insurance and the agency's website.
One attendee spoke about how the behavioral health model is not conducive to the patients because those who are receiving mental health services only get nine months of service with a specific doctor and after that they have to switch to another doctor.
Another person said that the communication between medical professionals needs to happen so if a patient has to see different people each time they go to one of the clinics, the continuity of care is maintained.
As for positive suggestions, attendees agreed that a Howard Brown Hospital and staff development across the board to make them valuable stakeholders would be ideal in the long run.
According to Roldan's account of the Nov. 17 meeting, specific issues included integrating into the neighborhood and dealing with healthful eating challenges.
Brady-Davis said the principal challenges to making these suggested changes are staffing ratios, the possibility of new locations and the financial investments they receive from various entities.
Roldan explained that the best ways one can help Howard Brown thrive is to donate directly to and/or shop at the Brown Elephant.
To fill out the community survey, visit Surveymonkey.com/r/howardbrowncommunity16 and patient survey visit Surveymonkey.com/r/howardbrownpatient16.