Join popular WJNI radio host Terry Base, The Medi’s Garcia Williams, and Dr. Aretha R. Powers, DHA, MPH, MA, Fetter Health Care Network CEO, for a conversation about the social determinants of health! Listen in below as Dr. Powers talks about how healthcare organizations can forge and foster collaborative, positive partnerships in their local community as well as among key stakeholders to support COVID-19 testing and vaccines.
In 2016 Dr. Powers, a native of Savannah, became Fetter Health Care Network’s first female chief executive officer in its 53-year history. Prior to that, she served as CEO for a federally qualified health center in Savannah.
Dr. Powers began her career in community health by working with vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness, individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues, and people living with HIV/AIDS. She has more than 20 years of experience in community healthcare management and administration.
Dr. Powers earned her doctorate in health administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. Prior to that, her passion for community health led her to pursue a master of science degree in public health from Armstrong State University. She also learned the importance of mentoring new leaders and went on to earn a master of arts degree in leadership and professional development from Armstrong State University after earning a bachelor of science degree in political science from Savannah State University.
She and her team, including COO Natasha Chapman, CFO Michael J. Savino, CMO Sharvette J. Slaughter, and Anthony Poole, PA, chief clinical officer and quality officer, have worked together to provide resources in key areas in Fetter’s community of Charleston, SC, along with compassionate care and support for those in need of testing and vaccines, making an excellent case study in how a healthcare organization can reach out to help and support its local community.
”Our team was honored to take part in this next chapter of caring for our community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she says. “It has been nearly one year since we began hosting our COVID-19 testing clinics and now we will begin administering the vaccine. We are grateful to help be part of the solution.”
