Community-based organizations such as free and charitable clinics and advocacy groups serve a critical role in promoting health equity at the ground level. The webinar will be led by two such community leaders: a free and charitable clinic in Greenville, SC - Greenville Free Medical Clinic - and Michigan United. They will talk about how working at the grassroots level can make a major difference in health equity outcomes, including vaccinations. Join us in a conversation about how we can realize Dr. King's vision in each community.

Moderator

Laura Lee Hall, Ph.D.
President Emeritus, Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity
National Minority Quality Forum

Dr. Laura Lee Hall brings 20 years plus of executive experience leading health advocacy, research, education, and quality improvement efforts. Dr. Hall founded the Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity (SHC) in 2016 as part of the National Minority Quality Forum to help translate data, geomaps, and educational efforts into improved health in underserved communities, through provider and community education and practice improvement. SHC has launched national initiatives in flu and COVID vaccination, diabetes, heart failure, and cancer screenings, working with FQHCs, other clinics, pharmacists, churches, and other community leaders. The work has led to freely available toolkits for clinicians and communications, including DRIVE QI modules (SHCDrive.org) and the health champions program (see: http://ai-healthnet.com/health-champi....

Prior to joining SHC, Dr. Hall founded and lead the Center for Quality and Office of Grants at the American College of Physicians (ACP), creating a network of more than 2000 primary care physicians in 19 states engaged in quality improvement (QI) activities along with the largest federally qualified registry for Medicare reporting.

Panelists

Suzie Foley
Executive Director
Greenville Free Medical Clinic

Suzie Foley is a resident of Greenville, South Carolina and has been for 25 years. She became the Executive Director of the Greenville Free Medical Clinic in September of 1999 and has worked in the United Way system for 10 years. Prior to this, Suzie spent 8 years as an Executive Director in El Dorado, Arkansas, and 2 years in the Community Fund and Community Outreach departments at United Way of Greenville County. She gained recognition in 1995 as 1 of 2 national recipients for the United Way of America Small City Executives Award, in 1997 as ‘Arkansas Business’ Nonprofit Executive of the Year finalist, and in 2007 as one of TALK Magazine’s ’25 Most Beautiful Women’.

Suzie graduated Magna cum laude with a BA degree in Radio/TV/Film Management from Northeast Louisiana University with a Minor in Journalism. She holds Membership and volunteer service with the South Carolina Healthy Outcomes Program ‘Vision Council’, Access Health Greenville County Advisory Board and with the Blue Ridge Institute of Community Service Executives (1995-present). She alsois a part of the Leadership Greenville Class 34, National Association of Free Clinics board member (2009-2017), South Carolina Free Clinic Association Chair (2009-2010 and 2022-2024), Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Initiative Class XVI, and the Junior League of Greenville Sustaining Member.

Dr. Latressa Gordon DNP, RN
Director of Public Health Nursing
Navigator Program

Dr. Latressa Gordon is a highly respected healthcare professional with a passion for nursing and patient care. With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and a background as a Registered Nurse (RN), she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field.

Dr. Gordon's commitment to excellence in healthcare is evident in her contributions to patient care, research publications, and her active involvement in healthcare organizations. She continues to be a driving force in advancing the nursing profession and making a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.