HRSA Rural Health, left to right, Shannon Stephenson, Ashley Ewald, Sandra Stockman and Melanie Connatser
Cempa Community Care’s CEO Shannon Stephenson spoke in Nashville at the Health Resources and Services Administration’s event, “Let’s Talk Rural Health: A Discussion with HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Recipients Serving Rural Communities.”
The event was organized to provide RWHAP recipients with technical training, as well as an opportunity to network and learn from peers.
Ms. Stephenson was identified for her leadership at Cempa and was invited to participate in a panel discussion covering “substance abuse treatment and forming community partnerships to address substance abuse.”
During the panel, Ms.
Stephenson covered topics such as Cempa’s STEP TN (Syringe Trade and Education Program of Tennessee) program, which just celebrated a successful first year in operation, as well as community partners, including The Transition House, CADAS and Focus Treatment Centers, just to name a few, who work closely with Cempa to deliver care to traditionally underserved communities.
“I feel very fortunate that we were able to share some of our incredible successes with other individuals and organizations who are working to improve care for those with HIV in rural communities,” said Ms. Stephenson. “Caring for our community is at the core of what we do, and spending time with other leaders in our space who are as passionate about this cause as we are was a very unique and encouraging experience.”
HRSA Rural Health Shannon Stephenson (center left) and Melanie Connatser (center right)