by Canute Knott-Malcolm, Grant Writer
Cornelius Steele became a member of Community of Hope’s Board of Directors in June, 2010. However, his relationship with COH started 30 years earlier at our health center.
“When I went to Community of Hope, the first thing I noticed was how compassionate the doctors were,” said Cornelius. The clinical team at COH helped Cornelius manage his diabetes. “I went to nutrition classes and learned that there are some foods you just don’t need to fool with. I also learned about exercise.”
Over the years, the relationship between COH and Cornelius strengthened. When he was approached to become a member of the Board of Directors, Cornelius’ answer was a resounding “yes.” “As a patient myself, I wanted to make sure I was there on the
board to be a voice for other patients.”
As one of the patients on our consumer-majority Board of Directors, Cornelius is able to offer unique insight into how Board level decisions impact patients. “Serving on the board has been a rewarding and satisfying experience,” says Cornelius. However, he admits the transition to being a board member was a bit challenging at first; “There are so many abbreviations in healthcare! Knowing what they mean and understanding
them was a little bit difficult at first, but that’s healthcare for you.”
Today Cornelius is able to speak knowingly about a number of abbreviations including HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act) and FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center). He continues to be a patient at COH and is proud to say, “I am healthier today than I was before I started coming to COH. I used to have to do four shots of insulin a day. Today I am down to zero! I have learned to manage my diabetes, and I have also learned all those acronyms.”
Community of Hope is excited to have Cornelius on our Board. His insight, humor and long personal history with COH is invaluable.
Cornelius Steele joined COH’s Board of Directors in June, 2010. He is currently the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.
