Resilience & Rise

I came into this world ahead of schedule. The medical community who saw to my safe arrival would say that my appearance was premature and that my low birth weight would prove troublesome. However, the family that I was born into and the community health center that assumed responsibility for my ongoing care focused on my resilience in the face of distress and adversity and believed that I would be fine. The wisdom of the community health system prevailed.

The comprehensive offerings of Federally Qualified Health Centers have been with me as a lifelong patient, committed advocate, and healthcare professional. I assume the position of CCI Health & Wellness Services’s fourth Chief Executive Officer, amid a global pandemic, deriving my power not from the title but instead from purpose. Through that influence, my personal aim is to change the trajectory of lives at the individual, systemic and generational levels. That is the purpose on which I stand and why you will find that we are on the move, even in this time of turmoil, uncertainty, and disruption. Crisis renders a stress test that reveals fitness for duty, and I trust that our hardiness will prevail.

The nearly 300 people who dedicate their time and talents to providing high quality, holistic, culturally honoring care unite around this cause, which is bigger than each of us but achievable as we work together. CCI’s ultimate concern is the health and wellbeing of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County residents. We understand and remain committed to those needs because our workforce mirrors the community that we serve. Those connections play a significant role in guiding our medical, dental, behavioral health patients and our WIC participants along their journey toward wellness.

We have been fortunate to receive additional grant dollars dedicated to combating the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and the Coronavirus. Through those provisions, we have expanded our technological, testing, and service capabilities. The individual, foundation, and corporate donations that we receive from all sources brings us closer to fulfilling our purpose. We remain focused on shepherding all within our target service area through this health emergency and emerging more determined on the other side. We know that a well-formed community offers space for everyone to join-in. To that end, we invite new and continued partnerships in the fulfillment of our mission:

We are a group practice, empowering patients to partner with staff for an unparalleled healthcare experience. Through integrated teams in a learning environment, we deliver high-quality care to every patient, during all stages of life.

Thank you to our current supporters. Welcome to those who will soon come on board. Together our strength will continue to shine through!

Sonya J. Burton, CCI President & CEO