MOUNT VERNON — Shauna Schacht is the new Knox Public Health Center Chief Executive Officer.
A new chapter for the health center is being led by Schacht, with leadership placing a strong emphasis on community engagement, patient satisfaction and accessibility to healthcare services.
Knox Public Healths previous CEO was Lane Belangia.
Schacht said she’s committed to building trust with staff, patients, and the broader community.
“My priority is to be present (…) as much as possible with staff and leaders within the health center and the agency, and to attend community events whenever possible,” Schacht said.
Combating food deserts facing Schacht
One health concern in Knox County is food disparity, particularly in rural areas where access to fresh, healthy food is limited.
Food disparity is a significant social determinant of health, Schacht said.
The health center is also involved with community initiatives such as the Teen Garden program and health-focused outreach programs.
“Leveraging these partnerships is crucial in tackling food insecurity and promoting healthier lifestyles,” she said.
“Public health is at the core of a thriving community,” she said. “Ensuring accessibility to healthcare, meeting patients where they are, and focusing on outreach and education are key components of our mission.”
A theme Knox Public Health commissioner Zach Green has rang throughout his tenure is “meeting people where they are” for healthcare.
Schacht shares the same views.
“While COVID was a devastating experience, it also taught us valuable lessons in healthcare delivery,” Schacht said. “Telemedicine is now a crucial tool in expanding access to care.”
For those seeking services, the health center offers multiple ways to schedule appointments, including by phone or through its website, Schofield said.
“We recognize that not everyone is digitally savvy, especially our older population,” Schacht said. “Finding ways to make information accessible to everyone is one of the challenges we are actively working on.”
Looking toward the future
While there are no immediate expansion plans, Schacht said the health center aims to strengthen its existing services and extend its reach to communities in Mount Vernon and Danville.
“We’re focused on building on our strong foundation and ensuring that we are reaching as many people as possible,” she said
Schacht also emphasized the importance of workforce satisfaction in ensuring quality patient care.
“If we have a satisfied team of healthcare providers, that translates to better care for our patients,” Schacht said.