Engaging With Community Partners To Address Priority Health Needs – No Matter the Location

Vickie Eaton Johnson, who was named Cleveland Clinic’s first Chief Community Officer in May, cares deeply about the Cleveland community because it is truly her home. For 30 years, Johnson has lived in the Hough neighborhood of Cleveland and for 17 years, she has worked in the Fairfax community where Cleveland Clinic’s main campus is located.   Community work has been Johnson’s focus throughout her professional career. Prior to her role as Chief Community Officer, Johnson led local efforts as senior director of Cleveland Clinic’s Government and Community Relations department. Before joining the health system, Johnson was executive director of the Fairfax Development Corporation.   In her current role, Johnson will lead strategic community planning at all Cleveland Clinic locations both nationally and internationally, while continuing to collaborate with local institutions, government agencies, elected leaders and healthcare professionals.   “We engage with communities by listening to their needs and prioritizing,” Johnson said. “We conduct community health needs assessments, and we work with local governments, public health agencies and members of the community.”   According to Johnson, the most prevalent issues in local communities are also national and global issues. “Some of these issues are food insecurity, childhood hunger, infant/maternal health and lead poisoning,” she...