Managing in Turbulent Times: Emerging Leaders in Public Health

Alumni

Mary L. Harris-ReeseMary L. Harris-Reese, RN, BS, MA

Quality Improvement Coordinator
Lake County Health Department Community Health Center

 

Area of work: Oversight of the Primary Care Service Area, Performance Improvement

Mary's current position is in Administration as the Quality Improvement Coordinator for the Primary Care Service Area of the Lake County Health Department Community Health Center. Her function is to ensure that care, treatment, and services measure up to and exceed standards. She has worked in this capacity for the past 8 years. During this time period she has spearheaded the program in meeting regulatory requirements of the Bureau of Primary health Care, through the Primary Care Effectiveness Review and ongoing monitoring of performance improvement indicators. She has direct oversite of her organization's Joint Commission Accreditation process in facilitating and ensuring all standards are addressed and processes are in place for standards compliance. Under her guidance, the Primary Care Service achieved initial Joint Commission accreditation in January, 2003 and we are seeking re-accreditation in January, 2006.

Mary also serves as the Safety Coordinator and conduct program wide safety training, and specific training for Safety Officers. Other responsibilities entail, CPR Instructor, liaison for the County Wellness program, contact person for the Faith Based Connection (community outreach) program, Clinical/Technical Expert for the Health Disparities Collaborative, community advisory committee member for the Community Action for Child Health Equity research project,and past co-chair of the Cultural Competence Committee.She also currently sits on the Standard Operating Procedure(policy development)committee and the Governing Council.

She has 23 years of clinical nursing experience in the area of Medical/Surgical, Post Anesthesia Care, Skilled Care (geriatrics), adolescent/adult Psychiatric Care, Staff Education, and Outpatient Surgery.

Personal Information:

I am married to Franklin, a retired electrician and have two bachelor sons (which I am seeking Christian wives for). Andre, a physical education teacher, pursuing his masters in Education Curriculum and Instruction and DeMar, a job placement specialist, pursuing his masters in Human Resource Development.

Leisure activities I enjoy whenever time permits include: walking, bike riding, yard work, bowling and taking a cruise. I also enjoy community involvement through the Chi Eta Phi nurses sorority, Prisoners of Hope ministry, Lake County Community Civic Organization, the SER Board (Service Employment Redevelopment), and volunteering at the soup kitchen.

What I would like to get out of this program:

I would like to gain a broader concept of the knowledge base/skill-set needed to mentor, guide, direct, and facilitate positive change in the public health arena, incorporating the perspectives and interests of diverse stakeholders. I am excited about the networking opportunity to share and gain insight from a unique group of Emerging Leaders.