Parkland’s CEO to speak at community forum on Thursday

Before taking over Parkland’s reins, Dr. Cerise participated in five community forums hosted by Dallas County Commissioners and held in their districts. A sixth forum was organized by one of Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care Advisory Boards. At each, Dr. Cerise pledged to keep the lines of communication open between Parkland and those it serves.

“Our previous community forums were only the beginning of an ongoing exchange Parkland will have with the public we serve,” Dr. Cerise said. “Just as health care providers must branch out into the community and connect with patients where they live and work, so must Parkland’s leadership go out into the community to hear first-hand the concerns of those who depend on Parkland for their care.”

Those sentiments were echoed by the Rev. Donald R, Parish Sr., Pastor, True Lee Missionary Baptist Church.

“It’s important for Parkland to get to know this community and for the community to get to know Parkland and its CEO,” the Rev. Parish said. “It’s a benefit for both of us.”

In addition to hearing from its CEO, the Rev. Parish said community members are interested in hearing about the new Parkland Community Oriented Primary Care health center scheduled to open in 2015 on the northwest corner of Hatcher Street and Scyene Road. When opened, the Hatcher Street location will replace Parkland’s aging East Dallas Health Center located on Live Oak.

“Our forum is designed to inform and engage the community so they can ask questions, especially about the new clinic,” the Rev. Parish said. “This will give our community the opportunity to hear what services will be available, build excitement around the new clinic and show how it will be a good vehicle for keeping people out of the emergency room.”