Delta Memorial Hospital and DePaul Community Health Centers of Dumas held its first Virtual Community Connect Session on October 21,2020. This event was presented by National Rural Health and (DRCHSD) Delta Regional Community Health System Development Program. This event was held via Zoom and facilitated by National Rural Health and co-facilitated by Community Champions Debra Hawkins of Delta Memorial Hospital and Jackie Washington of DePaul Community Health Centers. Delta Memorial and DePaul invited key joint partners to participate in a community-focused conversation working to make a difference in Desha county.
The joint partners came from various groups including law enforcement, faith-based organization, health care providers, business owners, government officials, educators, social service-based organizations and more. Groups were broken off into four break-out rooms, each having a facilitator.
There were six questions asked regarding the pandemic which asked for their comments. The conversation and comments were similar issues and thought-provoking.
The event also created an opportunity to discuss highlighting the hospital/clinic’s current and emerging services; and understand community members and joint partner’s concerns.
Some of the attendees were unaware of some of the services that the hospital and clinic provided. Some stated that they were going to pass the information on to their families, friends, and affiliates, etc. The comment, “this information is invaluable” was stated.
This event was a success, and we are looking forward to a better “new normal” for our community.
