NHSC Article - Together We Build Healthy Communities

Together We Build Healthy Communities

The National Health Service Corps is dedicated to improving the health of people living in underserved areas of the Nation, and the Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System is dedicated to improving the mental health of people living in Tennessee. Since 1972, NHSC programs and initiatives have united underserved communities and thousands of dedicated clinicians. As America's Health Care Heroes, NHSC clinicians devote all or part of their careers to serving underserved people across the country.

The Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System currently has eight (8) sites designated as NHSC qualified sites. Ten VBHCS employees are among the NHSC clinicians who are America's Health Care Heroes. Twenty-seven counties served by the Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System are designated Federal Health Professional Shortage Areas for Mental Health. Collaborating with the National Health Service Corps has helped VBHCS recruit mental health professionals to bring much needed services to these underserved communities.

NHSC lists the following Ten Qualities NHSC Clinicians Share:

1. A Desire to Serve Patients in Underserved Communities

2. Problem-Solving Talent

3. Good Communication Skills

4. Resourcefulness

5. Spirit of Volunteerism

6. Concern for the Health of Residents in Their Communities

7. Team Orientation

8. Leadership-Skills

9. Sensitivity to Patients and Staff

10. Belief that Access to Health Care Is a Fundamental Right

VBHCS salutes America's Health Care Heroes!

To find out more about the National Health Service Corps call 1-800-221-9393, or visit their website at http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov/