Page 26 - BusinessWest November 9, 2020

As a person of faith, Tania Barber says she believes in adding value to the lives of others.
Barber
Continued from page A4
and people in the community
COVID-19 has brought multiple challenges to healthcare organizations, and CHC is no exception. Like most facilities, CHC offers telehealth, which works well for those who can access it. For others, it leads
to a ‘digital divide’ where patients who might benefit
from telehealth lack access
to the internet or the devices
to connect. This concerns
Barber because recent data shows communities of color have contracted COVID-19 at a disproportionate rate.
While patients can still go to
CHC for care, fear of leaving the
house and becoming infected by
coronavirus are preventing many
from treating their other ailments. For the refugee population, these fears are compounded by the dual concerns of being exposed to immigration authorities, as well as to the coronavirus.
One solution, then, was to bring CHC to its patients.
“We purchased a mobile van to bring care to the community,” she explained. “The Mobile Health Clinical Services program has enabled us to confront some of the challenges we’ve seen during these times of COVID.”
Working with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, CHC also arranged to provide mattresses as a way to combat COVID- 19. Barber explained that a mattress makes a big difference for patients who live in dense neighborhoods or housing.
that they could receive high-quality healthcare like everyone else and not be denied because of their ability to pay.”
Her passion for helping others led to her promotion to president and CEO of CHC in 2013. Under her leadership, the center has increased the number of patients seen every year from 14,000
“I want to help remove the barriers and increase their access to quality care.”
to nearly 20,000, while staffing has increased from 109 employees to 250.
New services offered under her watch as president include a pharmacy, behavioral-health and substance-use treatment, and a wellness center. She has also built a diverse team, with strong representation by people of color in executive management and throughout the organization.
Barber has also put a special emphasis on improving services for the underserved and refugee populations in the community, noting that “I want to help remove the barriers and increase their access to quality care.” Currently, CHC serves the largest number of refugee and immigrant patients outside of Boston.
“Many of these people were sharing the same sleeping quarters or even sleeping in the same bed. By setting up individual mattresses, they are able to get some separation.”
Woman of Faith
In addition to her full-time career with Caring Health Center, Barber is a minister with Living Water Global Ministries, which she founded in 2011. While wearing two hats can be exhausting, the key for her is
balance. “I make sure to rest and take a
Barber
Continued on page A8
BOLD. INSPIRATIONAL.
VISIONARY.
As a WOMEN OF IMPACT award recipient, your influence has been felt throughout our community. You are a respected leader who empowers others through your actions, character, and spirit.
Carpe Diem!
Bay Path University proudly salutes TANIA BARBER, President and CEO of the Caring Health Center and member of the Bay Path University Board of Trustees.
baypath.edu
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