Who We Are
About Us
There are more than 26,000 Northland residents without adequate health insurance and more than 28,000 of our neighbors are living in poverty.
This number continues to grow along with the escalation of the cost of providing a primary health care visit. With the help of our supporters, we work to ensure that Northland residents have access to primary health care. For every $100 in funding, NHCA is able to leverage services to provide a prenatal visit for an uninsured mother, three physician visits for a diabetic or other chronic disease, or three visits for children with urgent care needs.
OUR HISTORY
Northland Health Care Access (NHCA) dates back to the late 1980s...
when a grassroots movement was launched to face the overwhelming healthcare needs of underserved populations in the Northland region. The Northland way was to face our challenges and take action. Northland United Way Services conducted a needs assessment proving the Northland region suffered from significant gaps in healthcare services, particularly for low-income individuals, minorities, and rural communities. These disparities were exacerbated by factors such as geographical isolation, limited transportation options, and a shortage of healthcare providers in certain areas.
Northland Health Care Access was born out of a collective effort.
Community leaders, healthcare advocates, and local organizations recognized the pressing need for changes. Those leaders formed a Non-Profit organization with a very competent Board of Directors and staff. Their mission was clear: to enhance access to quality healthcare services for all Northland residents, irrespective of their socio-economic status or background.
In its early years, NHCA focused on advocacy, community outreach, and collaboration with existing healthcare providers and organizations.
They worked tirelessly to raise awareness about healthcare disparities by bringing Federal Qualified Health Centers to the Northland, mobilizing community support, and lobbying for policy changes at the local and state levels.
As NHCA gained momentum, it didn’t rest on its laurels. It expanded its activities to include direct service provision. By establishing partnerships with clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, NHCA was able to offer a comprehensive range of services, from primary care to preventive screenings, dental care, mental health services, and prescription assistance programs.
Over time, NHCA evolved into a multifaceted organization with a comprehensive approach to healthcare access.
They implemented innovative strategies such as mobile clinics, telehealth services, and community health education programs to reach underserved populations where they are.
NHCA has also played a crucial role in addressing systemic issues contributing to healthcare disparities, such as lack of health insurance, language barriers, and cultural differences. They have advocated for policies that expanded Medicaid coverage, promoted cultural competence in healthcare delivery, and invested in health workforce development initiatives to recruit and retain healthcare professionals in underserved areas.
OUR TEAM
​Jennifer Hibbs Ward
MBA, Interim CEO
​Karina Gonzalez
Care Coordinator
Khylia Ray
Care Coordinator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kristen DeHart
Chair
Dr. Tony Phillips
Vice Chair
Shannon C. Shelton
Secretary
Patrick Altenhofen
Treasurer
Rosemary Salerno
Past Chair
Kenna Belshe, D.O.
Bill Gilbirds, M.D.
Damara Harper
Jenny Johnston
Jessica Lea
Martin T. Rucker II
Catherine Wiley
Bob Wright
