firsthand

Today marks one year with firsthand! ?? It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team so passionate about serving others, and we are so fortunate to have leadership consisting of the most kind, compassionate people I’ve ever worked with. I have genuinely never felt more supported professionally, personally, and academically. I am so thankful to work for a company who lives its values every day, champions its employees, and provides support to communities in a way that genuinely changes lives.

I'm taking some time during this sabbatical to get organized. Recently, I stumbled upon a video clip that I hadn't shared before. Watching yourself on camera can be challenging, but I'm proud of the message it carries. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned in my career is the importance of looking beyond appearances in hiring, working, and leading. #CareerReflections

It has been exciting to see innovative healthcare models emerge to support populations where our traditional care delivery system has not been able or willing. For instance, we have DispatchHealth (hospital-at-home), Pomelo Care (maternal care largely for Medicaid), Author Health (behavioral healthcare for seniors), Ophelia (opioid use disorder support), FOLX Health (LGBTQIA+ healthcare), firsthand (mental healthcare for those with SMI), and Equip (eating disorder care), to name some of my favorites. Taking the hospital-at-home example, as of April of this year, CMS authorized 320+ hospitals across 133 health systems in 37 states to develop hospital-at-home programs. The embedded health system has decided to invest there. Will health systems similarly expand their capabilities to better serve the health/behavioral health needs of other populations in need like birthing people, seniors, those with substance use disorders, the LGBTQIA+ community, those with SMI, and folks with eating disorders too? Or will they leave these “niches” to the healthtech pros? What’s your bet? #digitalhealth #healthcare #innovation

We are incredibly grateful to our team members in East Tennessee and SW Virginia who mobilized quickly to assist the individuals we serve in Helene-affected areas, checking on them and connecting them with resources. See Brittny's post below for ways to get involved.

As #RecoveryMonth wraps up, we’re celebrating the incredible recovery journeys of the firsthand’s peer supporters (firsthand Guides). Meet Mandy. Her story is proof that recovery isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Now, Mandy channels her lived experience into empowering others on their recovery journeys, offering compassion, understanding, and hope to those facing similar battles. Read her story and see how lived experience changes lives: firsthandcares.com/mandy

We have an amazing opportunity in NE Ohio! Are you a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant looking to make a difference? firsthand is hiring for our Akron OH market. If you have a heart for working with individuals with SMI and/or SUD diagnoses, and underserved populations, this role is for you. Join our field-based team to lead the healthcare charge with your primary care and behavioral health skills. Ready to learn more? #healthcare #jobopening #OhioOpportunity

We are growing our team at firsthand! Seeking another passionate, analytical builder to help transform how individuals living with serious mental illness engage with care. Join the team building our dynamic engagement engine. To-date, this has powered our communities to connect with tens of thousands of individuals insured by Medicaid across six states. Reach out if interested! https://lnkd.in/eXq-FFxD

Last week we were able to get the firsthand recruiting team together in person for the first time!! Although I love working remote, there is nothing like meeting everyone #inreallife...we had a blast getting to know each other better which we know will help us do even better work! #dreamteam Courtney Cotner Brian DesRoches Eugene Bowers Avery Roper, CSSR

Claire Moore, MPH and I had an incredible time today representing firsthand at the Resilient Minds Summit hosted by Cori Johnson and the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network in Johnson City, TN! Events such as this play a pivotal role in increasing awareness, preventing suicide, decreasing stigma regarding mental health, and making much needed trainings and resources available. We are grateful to be part of a strong network of community partnerships passionate about this important topic. This was a great event with many opportunities to learn, see colleagues, make new connections, and share about the work firsthand is doing in Upper East TN and Southwest VA! ; Creekside Behavioral Health Frontier Health Carter County Anti Drug Coalition Ashlee Crouse Jeremiah Lovelady Ballad Health Cherished Mom Frankie Nunley Christ Fellowship TN Voices Clarvida The Salvation Army YOUTH VILLAGES, INC. Northeast State Community College East Tennessee State University Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking Tennessee Department of Health ReVIDA Recovery Centers, LLC and many more!