HTC Community Builders

I believe every person in our community should have access to quality healthcare.   In my work with Charleston Promise Neighborhood, we established the KidsWell school-based health program with MUSC seven years ago.   We have the opportunity to help our students, especially those with chronic issues such as asthma.   It is a convenience for parents to allow their children to be seen at school by a MUSC provider, minimizing time away from class and work.   The program has now grown to provide access to healthcare five days a week with the addition of telehealth.  I love to hear how we are keeping students out of the Emergency Room, managing chronic diseases, providing support to parents with medication delivery to the school and easy access to the extended KidsWell staff to address questions parents may have, because our team has the time to talk with them.  Ultimately, parents are more confident, our students are healthier, and they are becoming advocates for their own health needs.   This is what motivates me.

Why do you support Healthy Tri-County?

I have been involved from the very beginning because I believe in the mission to improve health outcomes for our area.    The structure is very purposeful and we are collectively moving things forward.   As a community organization, we have many strong relationships.    I was able to support the community health needs assessment by facilitating focus groups and assisting with survey distribution.  Also, the collaboration opportunities have been very helpful to our work.   One contact with the College of Charleston lead to the placement of two public health interns this past spring and fall.  Working with other team members in Clinical Preventative Services provided great connections to immunization information and resources.     I am honored to be a part of the Healthy Tri-County initiative.  

Morgan Hughey, Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at the College of Charleston.

What motivates you to be involved in Public Health?

Since college, public health has been a passion of mine. So much so that I pursued graduate work in public health! I believe that health is essential to being able to live a quality life, including achieving our dreams and also enjoying the small activities of daily life, like walking the dog. My research and my public health efforts are focused on how we create supportive community environments that promote healthy eating and active living, something I believe all people should have access to and be able to enjoy.   

Why do you support Healthy Tri-County?

Healthy Tri-County is working towards addressing some of the complex health challenges that the Lowcountry is facing. I also believe that quality solutions are supported by quality data, so I really enjoyed participating in the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment to collect data that allows for a better understanding of the health challenges in the Tri-County.

Linda Lynah, Community Relation Liasion / Outreach Supervisor, St. James Santee FHC

What motivates me to be involved in Public Health?

I have worked in the Health Care Area for 20 plus years. My primary focus is to assist our patients in obtaining adequate Health Care by educating them on the different types of services available to them. I help them to understand  the various Health Insurances  such as; Medicaid, Medicare, Health Insurance MarketPlace, Veteran Coverage and disability and how to apply. I am currently  the Community Relation Liaison and Outreach Supervisor . In this role, I am able to participate or organize Health Fairs for the communities within the upper part of Mt Pleasant(highway 41) , Awendaw, McClellanville ,Berkeley (Jamestown, Shulerville. Alvin, Cainhoy and Huger and  all of Georgetown county. My motivation for doing this work is knowing that I have played a role in helping others to live a long healthy life.

Why do I support Healthy Tri County?

I support Healthy Tri-County because of the work that they do to educate all individuals on how to live healthy. Their scope of providing this service is great! Thru their efforts a wide range of individuals in the Tri-County from infancy to elderly will have the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to live a healthy ,long and prosperous life. This is God's will for his people.

Shelley Usher, MSN, RN is the Breast and Neuro Oncology Clinical Nurse Navigator, Roper Saint Francis Cancer Center

What motivates you to be involved in Public Health?

My professional background of 21 years in oncology has afforded me the awareness of the need for preventative care.  In my current role as Oncology Clinical Nurse Navigator with a focus on Breast and Neurological Cancers for the Roper St. Francis Healthcare system, coordinating bi-annual breast cancer screening events has further engaged me in ensuring access to care and education to all populations.  I want my patients to feel empowered and educated when it comes to their health.

Why do you support Healthy Tri-County?

All people deserve access to care.  Being born and raised in Charleston, I truly want to what is best for the people of Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties.  I feel that giving back to our community is one of my duties as a nurse and a citizen. I can only hope that the small amount that I contribute can make a difference in many lives. 

May 2019