Dear Friends,

Reading this edition of Purpose following CCI's newly published 2022 Community Health Impact Report (inside cover) left me thinking about courage. In fact, I believe that any discussion about our patients and participants will inevitably lead to a reflection on courage. I'll tell you why.

First, let's consider how most of us use the term "courage." It's often reserved for impressive acts of heroism or stands taken by the transformative figures we admire today. But there's a subtler side to courage, as well. It's not as pronounced, though you always recognize it when you see it.

It's an everyday courage. It's the willingness to fulfill our daily responsibilities as we navigate the worries occupying our minds. It's persevering and tapping into our strength amid hard times. And above all, it's the determination to overcome the barriers that hold us back from attaining our goals.

Our patients and participants demonstrate courage each time they take action on their health. Considering the challenges and competing priorities in their lives, their dedication to wellness is a gesture that makes a big statement to equity advocates like you and me. I'm immensely proud that CCI is the partner that helps them live audaciously.

The following pages detail our efforts to raise awareness of the Medicaid renewal process (p. 8), prepare children for the upcoming school year (p. 4), and educate parents on guiding the teens in their lives to respond with resilience in the face of distressing news (p. 6). As you complete your own readthrough, I hope you will remember how consequential these deceptively simple acts can be on a neighbor’s self-esteem and destiny.

The courage that sustains our patients and participants traces back to allies like you. Your reassurance by way of your support motivates them to strive for excellence. Your role is just as important as ours in realizing our vision of a healthy and empowered community for generations to come. And make no mistake: the momentum is on our side. We’re on the cusp of generational change.

All it takes is a little courage.

Sincerely,

Sonya Bruton, Psy.D., MPA CEO & President CCI Health Services