Matt Wheelus, Harrison Medical Center
Leadership Kitsap’s Healthy Community Day was held at Harrison Medical Center, Silverdale, on January 5, 2018. Matt Wheelus, VP of Operations/COO Harrison Medical Center CHI Franciscan Health welcomed the class and gave an update on Harrison Medical Center’s new Silverdale campus. One participant shared, “I had no idea all the amazing things available and at such high quality.
Kody Russell (LK16), Kitsap Strong Project Director shared Kitsap Strong’s collaborative impact initiative to improve the overall health and well-being of Kitsap and its residents through the prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and building of resilience, a theme woven throughout the day.
Dr. Susan Turner, Kitsap Co. Public Health
Kitsap County Public Health District Health Officer, Dr. Susan Turner, gave an eye-opening report of the current, critical health issues in Kitsap County. Jeff Faucett, (LK14); CFO, Assistant Chief South Kitsap Fire & Rescue, gave an overview of Kitsap’s Fire and Emergency Management Services. Class members were surprised to learn that 70% of calls are for health emergencies, not fires. Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management Operations Coordinator, Jason McMillan, spoke on how his department helps prepare Kitsap County for the next disaster: community resilience through preparedness.
Lunch prepared by Harrison Medical Center catering provided the opportunity for reflective conversation led by Marie Singleton (LK09). Following lunch, Jennifer Yeaman (LK11) led a group discussion about the Positive Leadership capacity of Resilience. Resilience can apply to a person’s ability to recover from, or adjust to, misfortune or change. Small groups discussed their experience with leadership and resilience.
Case Study Resource Fair
The rest of the afternoon revolved around an activity that ultimately broadened the class members’ knowledge of the various key health care and social service agencies available in Kitsap County. Class members were given case studies reflecting real scenarios in Kitsap County and had the opportunity to visit various agency representatives to find possible solutions. The participating agencies and representatives included:
Coffee Oasis, Patrick Steele; Holly Ridge Center, Dedra Miller (LK15) & Jamie Ream; Housing Solutions of Kitsap County, Bridget Callahan; Kitsap Community Resources, Darcy Hermoso; Meals on Wheels Kitsap, Jennifer Ruckman; MutliCare Home Health & Hospice, Janet Cupps; Peninsula Community Health Services, Jennifer Johnson-Joefield; StandUp for Kids, Margaret Rodriguez; and Suquamish Tribe Human Services, Sharon Henson. The activity was debriefed by Dedra Miller (LK 15), Holly Ridge Center Human Resources Specialist.
What an impactful day of learning about Kitsap’s collaborative efforts to keep our community healthy and resilient!
Thank you to our Challenge Day sponsors:
