Care Ring, formerly Community Health Services, has announced Susan Furtney as its new executive director. The search committee, comprised of board members, employees and donors, selected Furtney after a three-month nationwide search.
Furtney is currently the career development services director at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, based in Charlotte. She has 20 years’ experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, including a family clinic, major hospital system and a health insurance company.
“As health care issues remain at the forefront, Susan’s varied medical exposure, track record of innovation and strategic management skills will benefit Care Ring and its clients,” said Doug Neely, chairman of the Care Ring board of directors.
Care Ring is a nonprofit organization that provides access to preventive health services for the uninsured and underinsured inMecklenburg County. The organization annually serves more than 10,000 people and is a leader in a collaborative effort to improve community health.
In its 55-year history, the organization has continued to evolve and serve people who fall through the cracks of the traditional health care system in Mecklenburg County. Care Ring offers a comprehensive range of programs and services:
· Care Ring Low-Cost Clinic – This clinic in uptown Charlotte offers basic health care services and chronic disease management at reduced costs. Low-cost lab work is also conducted on site.
· Nurse-Family Partnership – Care Ring operates this evidence-based nurse home visiting program that improves the health, well-being and self-sufficiency of first-time, low-income mothers, which in turn benefits their child’s health and development.
· Physicians Reach Out – In partnership with the Mecklenburg County Medical Society and Charlotte Dental Society, 1,500 volunteer physicians, dentists and allied health professionals provide free or low-cost health care for low-income individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid and do not have access to private health insurance.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about advocating for quality health care for all people,” said Furtney. “I am excited to join Care Ring and further the agency’s efforts to effect systemic changes in health care access, affordability and coverage for the uninsured and underinsured in our community. Care Ring will continue to serve as a voice for our clients, and collectively we can create comprehensive change.”
Furtney holds a master’s degree in public health, health policy and management from Emory University and a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Care Ring is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable, accessible and high-quality health care for people who lack access to services. Since 1955, the agency has been providing preventive health care in Charlotte to children and adults with limited means. Today, the agency serves 10,000 clients annually. For more information, visit CareRingNC.org.
