Barnabas Center Nassau
Press Release
Submitted by Barbara Farnsworth
Freelance Writer/Media Relations
April 9, 2018 2:58 p.m.
Did you know that financial hardship is no longer a reason to be without access to quality healthcare in Nassau County? Barnabas Center’s Health Services Manager, Barbara Baptista, wants every uninsured adult in our county to know that she is now leading Barnabas’ health services program.
“Barbara is focusing on not only spreading the word but growing the much-needed medical and dental programs to reach more low- to moderate-income adults in our community who need the services, but may not be aware of them,” said Wanda Lanier, Barnabas Center CEO. “She is also recruiting and utilizing more skilled volunteers, such as dentists, registered nurses and medical assistants, who can help us serve more people without decreasing the quality of care or increasing our costs. Plus, as Barbara helps us expand our partnerships with care providers who, for example, perform surgeries and offer other needed specialty services, she and her team will effectively impact the depth and quality of health care in our community.”
Baptista’s career path illustrates how she has been a leader in helping people have a better life, including in her most recent position as the executive director or the Andersen Free Clinic in Andersen, SC. She has also served in other management roles for health clinics, and recreation and community activities. In short, Baptista knows how to develop and oversee programs and services that benefit individuals and families in need.
As a newcomer to Fernandina Beach, Baptista considered the move from South Carolina to be the next step in her longtime dedication to helping people gain access to quality healthcare.
“I was drawn to Barnabas by its incredibly high level of respect in the community and its vision,” she said. “We have a strong leadership team, a dedicated volunteer base, a valuable mix of provider partners and generous donors who truly believe in our mission to provide assistance to individuals and families in crisis. So, I’m certain we will improve the access to care for our underserved neighbors by building even more partnerships with providers and supporters.”
One of Baptista’s key goals is to increase outreach and collaborative efforts in the county so she can let people know how to access Barnabas’ health services. For example, utilize first responders, such as police and fire professionals who are on the front lines of communication with individuals and families in crisis. Likewise, churches can be an ideal setting for sharing the news that folks in need are not alone; there is a range of help available through Barnabas’ health services, food pantry and crisis services programs.
“Barnabas’ services may be based under one roof in Fernandina Beach. But we want the entire community to know that we are here to help people in every corner, and on every street, in Nassau County,” said Baptista.
To learn more about Barnabas Center, visit www.BarnabasNassau.org.
Barnabas is the comprehensive service center in Nassau County that helps our neighbors in crisis with a compassionate helping hand so they can become healthy, productive citizens, strengthening our entire community. Through Barnabas’ partnerships, we reach even more people and maximize resources.
Barnabas Center’s mission is to provide assistance to individuals and families in crisis throughout Nassau County. Barnabas Center’s vision is to be the primary nonprofit resource in Nassau County, providing assistance to connect individuals and families to services that will help them overcome crisis and achieve self-sufficiency.
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Barnabas Center Health Services Manager, Barbara Baptista, is developing and managing Barnabas’ medical, dental and other health services programs.