SPECIAL EDITION
INSIDE DHA
FIRST QUARTER CAREER & ADVANCEMENT
DELTA HEALTH ALLIANCE EXPANDS
PROMISE COMMUNITIES Delta Health Alliance (DHA) was awarded a $30 Million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand its promise communities. As a result, exisiting employees were promoted to fill newly-created leadership postions. Among those promoted were Katelyn Ables, Rhonda Lewis and Roshunda Sample.
Before arriving at DHA, Katelyn served as a teacher in the Holmes County Consolidated School District.
Katelyn Ables was promoted from the role of Director of Education to the position of Associate Vice President of Indianola Promise Community. Katelyn has been with DHA for over six years in various roles, including literacy fellow, program coordinator, program manager, and director.
According to Katelyn, her favorite part of working with DHA is developing students in the communities through various programs. In her new role, she hopes to support staff and programs with strategies and procedures that allow communities and students to grow.
Rhonda Lewis was promoted from the role of Director of Education to the position of Associate Vice President of Deer Creek Promise Community. Rhonda has been with DHA for three years and served as Education, Training, and Quality Manager prior to becoming the Director of Education. Before arriving at DHA, Rhonda served as a secondary education teacher in public education for over 25 years. According to Rhonda, “My favorite part of working with DHA is the opportunities which are available for Delta residents, as well as working with my incredible staff to carry out DHA’s mission.” In her new role, she hopes to continue to enhance educational opportunities for children and their families by expanding the Deer Creek Promise Community footprint.
Roshunda Sample was promoted from the role of Director of Compliance for Head Start (HS), Early HS, and Childcare Partnerships (EHS-CCP) to the position of Associate Vice President of the Leflore Promise Community. Roshunda has been with DHA for 12 years. She started with DHA in 2010 as a Program Manager for the Indianola Promise Community. During her tenure at DHA, Roshunda has held various positions, including the Program Director for Community Development and Director of the EHS-CCP. Before arriving at DHA, Roshunda served as Site Manager for the MIHOW Program at MVSU. According to Roshunda, “My favorite part of working with DHA is the development of our Delta communities.” In her new role, she hopes to continue to advance the mission and vision of DHA into new areas of the communities we serve.
KATELYN ABLES
RHONDA LE WI S
ROSHUNDA SAMPLE
Associate Vice President of Indianola Promise Community
Associate Vice President of Deer Creek Promise Community
Associate Vice President of Leflore Promise Community
03 (Continued)
PROMISE COMMUNITIES Promise Communities are collaborative community efforts established to implement a seamless continuum of evidence-based, coordinated programs to create a cradle-to-career pipeline geared toward improving the lives of low-income, minority children and youth. Along with community partners, DHA’s Promise Communities help to improve school readiness, academic achievement, and career/college preparation for students while also providing leadership opportunities, investment in local economies, and health and social supports for families within the communities they serve. Promise Communities offer programs that touch lives through improving access to quality healthcare, programs for early childhood development and literacy, and by addressing the social needs of children and adolescents as well as their families. Programs include inhome visitations, free books, college & career readiness courses, literacy programs, behavioral support, and summer camps. For More information about Promise Communities, visit https://deltahealthalliance.org
PROMOTIONS
THERE IS ROOM FOR ADVANCEMENT AT DELTA HEALTH ALLIANCE! We value our employees and the important work that they contribute to further the mission of our organization. Throughout 2022, several employees have advanced their careers within Delta Health Alliance. We take this opportunity to recognize their contributions and thank them for their service. Please join us in congratulating them.
RONA STRONG
Associate Vice President of Administration Rona Strong was promoted from Director of Grants Management to Associate Vice President of Administration. Rona has been with DHA for 9 years in various roles. Before arriving at DHA, she worked for Home Insurance Agency and The City of Indianola. As the AVP of Administration, Rona oversees Payroll, Accounts Payable, Business Services and Grants Management. Her primary function is financial reporting for all DHA grants. According to Rona, her favorite part of working with DHA is enriching the community. In her new role she hopes to increase efficiency within her department.
MELANIE HEBERT
Associate Vice President of HIT and Strategic Data Melanie Hebert was promoted from HIT Director to AVP of HIT and Strategic Data. Melanie has been with DHA for 14 years as a Clinical Systems Analyst, EHR (Electronic Health Records) Program Manager, HIT Team Lead, and HIT Director. Before arriving at DHA Melanie served as Controller for South Delta Regional Housing Authority. According to Melanie, her favorite part of working with DHA is “seeing the positive impact our company is making in the Mississippi Delta and throughout the state.” In her new role, she hopes to further increase the results our various programs have on the communities we serve through the use of the meaningful data.
MELISSA WILLIAMS
Administrative Purchasing Coordinator Melissa Williams was promoted to the position of Administrative Purchasing Coordinator. Melissa has been with DHA for 10 months. She provides office support to individuals and teams to help their offices operate efficiently. Her duties include filing, receiving, and directing visitors, answering and transferring telephone calls, and ordering supplies. Before arriving at DHA, Melissa served in this capacity at Kemper Life Insurance Co. According to Melissa, her favorite part of working with DHA is interacting with her co-workers to learn more about the different programs, as well as learning through hands-on experience with her supervisor. In her new role she hopes to become a more efficient worker to advance in the future.
JACQUELINE LAMBERT Director of Programs
Jacqueline Lambert was promoted from Lactation Coordinator to Support Service Manager. Jacqueline has been with DHA for 2 years. Before arriving at DHA, she served as a Lactation Specialist with Mississippi WIC Breastfeeding Program. Jacqueline has worked in maternal and child health for 14 years and has received numerous awards for her work. Support Services Programs work to improve women’s health, promote breastfeeding, ensure healthy babies, strengthen father and family resilience, and increase parent resources. These services include, the Doula Program, Lactation Services, Delta Dads Program, and Nurse Case Manager Services. According to Jacqueline, her favorite parts of working with DHA are serving families and networking with community organizations. In her new role, she hopes to build resources for the staff and continue to support them in the support they give to families.
VANESSA WILSON Program Manager
Vanessa Wilson was promoted from Community Action Network (CAN) Coordinator to the position of Program Manager. Vanessa has been with DHA for 7 years as a parent educator and CAN Coordinator. Before arriving at DHA, Vanessa served as a Family Service Worker at Gilliam Head Start Center for 13 years. According to Vanessa, her favorite part of working with DHA is the opportunity to link families in the communities to resources though local organizations, the Community Family Pantry, other various partnerships. In her new role she states, “I hope to continue the awesome work of the people before me and continue building on the great foundation they have already laid.” The Community Family Pantry, located at the Greenwood Head Start Center is sponsored by a United Healthcare Grant through Delta Health Alliance. Through partnerships with Delta Healthy Collaborative, the Mississippi State Department of Health/ Mississippi Public Health Institute, Enfamil and Similac and agencies in Leflore County, the pantry provides Leflore County pregnant women and women with infants with a variety of babyrelated needs.
BRIA BEAL
Director of Programs Bria Beal was promoted from Program Manager for the Delta Stroke Initiative to Director of Programs for Community Outreach and Education. In her new capacity, she oversees The Delta Stroke Initiative, The Our Shot Collaborative, and the MS RIVER 2 - Inverness health literacy grant. Bria has been with DHA for 1 year and 7 months. Before arriving at DHA, Bria served as: Program Director for the Delta Reads Plus Program at Delta State University’s Center for Community and Economic Development; Project manager for the Local Government Leadership Institute; and Project Coordinator for the Breast Education and Early Detection Program at Delta State University’s Center for Community and Economic Development. According to Bria, her favorite part of working with DHA is the collaborative effort to change and help our communities get the resources they need to thrive. In her new role she hopes to continue to make impactful decisions, promote unity amongst her staff, and be at the forefront to drive impactful programmatic change. The programs under her leadership strive to reduce stroke hospital readmissions as well as to educate communities about COVID 19, and various health literacy topics.
SHELBY BALLINGER Nutrition and Wellness Manager
Shelby Ballinger was promoted from Nutritionist to Nutrition and Wellness Manager at the Leland Medical Clinic, our partner clinic. Shelby has been with DHA for almost 2 years. She sees patients at Leland Medical Clinic for the management of chronic conditions and weight management. Shelby is also involved in the Delta Wellness Center, where she leads a Senior Strength Training class and teaches nutrition classes in the teaching kitchen. Before arriving at DHA, Shelby was a student at Mississippi State University where she earned a Master of Science degree in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion with a concentration in Health Promotion. She also earned certifications as a Health Education Specialist, in Clinical Health Promotion and as a Wellness Coach. According to Shelby, her favorite part of working with DHA is helping people in the community. In her new role, she hopes to make it easier for those with diet-related health conditions to buy and consume fruits and vegetables through the Delta Produce Rx Program that allows eligible Leland Medical Clinic patients to receive a prescription card for fruits and vegetables for up to 6 months as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to treat dietrelated health conditions.
CHARLES COLEMAN Communication Specialist
Charles Coleman was promoted from Customer Relationship Specialist to Communications Specialist. Charles has been with DHA for 1 year. Before arriving at DHA, Charles served as Community Engagement Coordinator for the Peace Center Foundation in Greenville, SC. According to Charles, his favorite part of working with DHA is the ability to create and sustain connections and relationships. In his new role, he hopes to make more Mississippians aware of the work that DHA does to provide resources to the communities in which it serves.
KE’ANGELA RILEY Program Manager, Delta Futures
Ke’Angela Riley was promoted from Program Coordinator to Program Manager. She has been with DHA for 1 year and 3 months. Before arriving at DHA, Ke’Angela served as a Health and Life Skills Educator with the Cleveland School District. Her favorite part of working with DHA is “spending time with our program participants.” In her new role, she hopes to continue supporting her staff so they can continue to support teens, parents, and the communities that we serve. Delta Futures 3 – (in its third iteration) works to reduce sexually transmitted diseases and infections among teens, reduce teen pregnancy and increase birth spacing among pregnant and parenting teens. The program partners with school districts, community organizations and faith- based organizations to implement evidence-based curriculum taught by skilled professionals. Sessions are grade-specific and include topics related to pregnancy prevention as well as the importance of goal setting and character building. The program serves teens in Washington, Sunflower, Coahoma, Tallahatchie, Yazoo, Humphreys, Leflore Counties who are enrolled in the 6th-12th grade or are ages 16-19.
LORI GOWER
Director of Business Services Lori Gower was promoted from Business Manager to Director of Business Services. Lori has been with DHA for 13 ½ years. Before arriving at DHA, she spent 21 years at La-Z-Boy Contract Furniture where she served as Business Manager. According to Lori, her favorite part of working with DHA is knowing that we are helping to improve the lives of the people we serve. She also enjoys working with her colleagues in the finance department. In her new role, she hopes to help streamline processes to ensure that the department continues to operate efficiently.
CASSANDRA ROBINSON Administrative Service Manager
Cassandra Robinson was promoted from the role of Administrative Assistant to the position of Administrative Service Manager. Cassandra has been with DHA for 6 months. Before arriving at DHA, Cassandra served as Traffic Manager for the Delta News (formally known as WXVT) for 33 years. Her favorite part of working with DHA is supporting her coworkers to make a difference in the communities that we serve. In her new role, she hopes to be a great help to the administrative staff at DHA.
17 CAREER BENEFITS There are opportunities for career growth, development, and advancement at DHA. We offer the opportunity to begin a career in one area or program of the organization and move to another as your interests evolve. DHA operates nine offices in the Delta with our headquarters located in Stoneville, Miss. We employ more than 300 employees and are one of the largest organizations in the region. Among our career benefits are educational assistance programs, retirement plans, medical insurance and leave time. To learn more about career benefits at DHA, contact Amanda Braiser, Human Resource Specialist at abrasier@ deltahealthalliance.org.
AMANDA BRAISER Human Resource Specialist abrasier@deltahealthalliance.org
To learn more about new job opportunities at Delta Health Alliance, visit www.deltahealthalliance.org/careers.
REFERRAL PROGRAM Delta Health Alliance offers an employee referral incentive program to all existing employees. Do you know someone who is qualified to assist with the work that DHA does and would be a great asset to our team? If so, refer them to our careers page to apply. If they’re hired, you could receive $250. Referrals will be recognized and honored if your name is included in the appropriate designated area of the applicant’s profile. If your referral is hired, they must successfully complete the 90-day probationary period before you are eligible to receive the referral stipend. To learn more about the referral program, contact Amanda Braiser, Human Resource Specialist at abrasier@deltahealthalliance.org. For more information on careers at DHA, visit www.deltahealthalliance.org/careers.
19 H E A LT H
E D U C AT I O N
COMMUNIT Y
H E A LT H
E D U C AT I O N
COMMUNIT Y
DHA TUITION REIMBURSEMENT Gain the skills to advance your career through professional development opportunities and/ or a college degree.
Delta Health Alliance (DHA) looks for opportunities for internal growth among its employees. It strongly supports employees who wish to continue their education to secure increased responsibility and growth within their professional careers. Employees are encouraged to identify educational opportunities including online courses, conferences, certifications, and college courses and degrees that could support their work at DHA. There are opportunities for these educational programs to reimbursed. Decisions for reimbursement are made based on a needs assessment conducted by the direct supervisor in conjunction with the CEO and/or an Executive VP.
DHA has established a reimbursement program for tuition expenses incurred through approved institutions of higher learning. DHA will reimburse up to a maximum of 50% of tuition costs or $5,000 (whichever is the lesser) per year incurred by an employee for continuing education through an accredited institution of higher learning in Mississippi that either offers growth in an area related to their current position or might lead to promotional opportunities. For every 30 credit hours completed, the employee must work for DHA, or an approved institution, an additional year past course completion. For more information, consult the Employment Practices Policies and Procedures Manual.
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET: • The employee must have been employed for a minimum of twelve months before beginning the program. • The employee must be in good standing. If an annual review has been filed, it should be a score of at least 1.0. • The course must be job-related and deemed of value to DHA by the executive staff. • The employee must complete coursework outside normal work hours. No time will be given for coursework during work hours.
21 THE MISSION OF THE DELTA HEALTH ALLIANCE IS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND EDUCATION OF THE MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN WHO MAKE THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA THEIR HOME.
1. RESEARCH We seek to understand the fundamental causes of poor health and lack of educational opportunities in the region through comprehensive research programs and statistical analysis of relevant data.
3. EDUCATION We educate residents of the Delta in ways that encourage them to adopt healthy lifestyles.
2. PROGRAMS Based on research results, we fund programs to increase access to health care and education for residents of the Delta.