For the City Times

MARSHFIELD – Security Health Plan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric Quivers, F.A.A.P., F.A.C.C., has agreed to serve on the Wood County Health & Human Services (WCHHS) Board.

The board addresses community health needs based on the county’s Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible human services that maximize the potential of individuals and families. Topics of focus for the upcoming year include alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) services; family and children’s health; and renovations to and staff recruitment for county nursing homes.

Quivers’ extensive background in both health care and health insurance makes him particularly attuned to how small changes can make a big impact on health outcomes. He will draw upon his experience as a pediatric cardiologist, associate professor and as chief medical director of several health plans – from Tennessee to Madison – as he assists the board in prioritizing and addressing community health needs with limited funds.

Marshfield Clinic Health System Vice President of Community Health & Wellness Jay Shrader initially asked if Quivers would be willing to serve. “Dr. Quivers is truly passionate about population health and understands that health is not just influenced by the medical care we provide, but by community factors such as access to transportation, education and income. Connecting Dr. Quivers to the WCHHS board seemed like a natural fit to connect the System’s medical expertise with the great work Wood County is doing to improve the health of our communities.”

“Sitting here at Security Health Plan, I can’t see what’s happening out there in the community,” Quivers said. “Sitting on the board, I can. My service there will help me become familiar with the social determinants of health specific to our community so we can consider these in the services Security Health Plan provides its members.”

Quivers accepted the seat in December and has already attended several meetings.

“Already I’ve seen the board members pull from their diverse backgrounds to speak with passion about the health topics up for discussion. Their discussions are engaged, lively and in-depth – it makes the time we spend meaningful, because these people care about what they’re doing and want to contribute.

“The WCHHS Board focuses on giving people the tools they need to truly flourish in our community. Our goals align, so it makes sense to combine our efforts.

“I consider it an honor to sit on the WCHHS Board and will serve to the best of my ability, with the best interests of Wood County residents in mind,” said Quivers.