LGW18 Examines the Complexities of Community Health

This year’s Community Health Day examined social accountability and responsibility in health care.

The Class of 2018 was encouraged to understand the implications of mental illness in our communities and learn more about community outreach and initiatives. The session, hosted by the American Red Cross, was a jam-packed day of workshops and discussions featuring healthcare experts. Dawne Carroll (’17), CEO of Potomac Region Associates led programming throughout the day moderating panels and interactive discussions. 

The first panel, of the day titled “Driving Forces Behind Healthcare Delivery,” featured Maria Gomez, R.N., M.P.H. (’92), President & CEO, Mary’s Center, Gene Ransom, CEO, MedChi Maryland State Medical Society, and Kem Tolliver, President, Medical Revenue Cycle Specialists, MACRA. The conversation provided the Signature Class with an inside look into the business side of medicine, insurance, and hospital practices. Panelists answered questions from the audience on the topics of affordable health care methods and the logistics of sharing information within healthcare systems to more accurately care for patients and communicate. The conversation only scratched the surface of a more extensive discussion around how the healthcare system is designed to support patients and communities in need. 

In the afternoon, Patricia Frye, MD, Physician Consultant, Takoma Park Alternative Care and Camille Woodson, MD, Medical Director, Centene, Inc. shed light on medical cannabis and the opioid crisis including the history and criminalization of cannabis, the health benefits of marijuana in moderating diseases, improving anxiety, sleep disorders, and controlling chronic pain. Dr. Woodson delivered an honest and timely presentation on the opioid crisis exploring what we can do as a community to support individuals dealing with addiction and how to best educate ourselves on the opioid epidemic and their role in our culture. 

Breaking up the day, the conversation shifted to mental health and self-care, featuring Samantha Shlakman, MD MPH, Psychiatrist, Shlakman Psychiatric Services and Meico Whitlock, Speaker and Trainer, Mindful Techie. The Signature Class shook off the stress of the day with some movement and mindfulness exercises. As leaders, it is essential to incorporate self-care and take time away from technology and work focused distractions. 

Leaving no health topic untouched, the afternoon wrapped with and AED Demo. An AED, also known as an Automated External Defibrillator, is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can potentially stop an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Jeremy Gruber, VP Strategic Sales, Rescue One, led LGW18 through the demonstration. In many offices, knowledge of an AED is a vital skill for employee safety. 

Following the demo, Linda Mathes (’97) CEO of the American Red Cross of the National Capital Region, led members on a tour of the organization’s DC headquarters and shared historical knowledge of the Red Cross’ over 100 years of life-saving services, disaster relief and training and certification. 

Thank you to our esteemed presenters, and program sponsors. The final LGW18 Signature Program Day will occur on May 24.

View more photos from the event here.