FoundCare Inc., a nonprofit federally qualified health center, recently added three new members to its board of trustees, including Marcia Howard of Wellington. Also joining the board are Stephanie Carden and Miron Ebanks.
FoundCare uses a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. With several locations throughout Palm Beach County, FoundCare’s services include pediatric and adult primary care, women’s health services, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, dentistry, pharmacy, laboratory services and x-rays.
FoundCare’s mission is to fulfill unmet healthcare and social service needs of individuals and families in Palm Beach County. FoundCare recently broke ground on renovations to a 10,000-square-foot facility in West Palm Beach. Set to open this fall, the new health center will serve as a one-stop healthcare medical home to all.
Howard, a Wellington resident, is the assistant controller at Palm Beach Atlantic University and has a history with FoundCare. Howard was the chief financial officer at FoundCare from 2006 until 2014. A native of Jamaica, Howard serves her community in many ways.
“I believe it is better to give than to receive,” Howard said. “So, that is why I serve at my local church, and I am happy to add FoundCare board member to that list. The organization delivers services with care and compassion, and that aligns with my values.”
Carden, a Palm Beach resident, previously worked as staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County for 23 years before retiring. “My favorite part of my job was representing and advocating for individuals with HIV/AIDS, so FoundCare was a natural fit for me as they pioneered HIV/AIDS services with the Comprehensive AIDS Program,” Carden said.
Ebanks is the CEO of Merricare Community Integrated Services, where she oversees operations to provide services to individuals with disabilities. Ebanks has been in public health management for the last 30 years, holding senior managerial positions throughout her career. “I am passionate about providing services to underserved communities that are impacted by mental health crises, substance abuse and developmental disabilities,” she said. “I am excited about serving on FoundCare’s board to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.”
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are funded primarily by several entities, including grants, philanthropy and the federal government. To meet the criteria for federal funding, each health center must meet certain guidelines, including being governed by a board that includes patients from the community it serves, as well as other requirements.
“We are excited to have these three wonderful and qualified professionals join our board,” said Yolette Bonnet, CEO of FoundCare. “As the need for affordable healthcare increases, we are in a position of growth, and they will help us champion those changes. Fifty-one percent of the board are patients, ensuring we keep our priorities relevant to those seeking services from FoundCare.”
To learn more about FoundCare, visit www.foundcare.org.
