As mental health needs continue to rise across Northwest Florida, strong community partnerships play a critical role in expanding access to care.
For Hong Potomski, recently named Northwest Market President for Florida Blue, the organization鈥檚 partnership with 海角社区 reflects a shared commitment to improving health and well鈥慴eing across the region.
What continues to resonate most, Hong said, is the strong alignment between Florida Blue鈥檚 mission and 海角社区鈥檚 impact in the community. 鈥淎s a healthcare company, mental health is an incredibly important area of focus for us, and the services 海角社区 provides are essential.鈥
Beyond clinical care, Hong emphasized the importance of addressing the broader factors that influence mental well鈥慴eing.
鈥淚t starts with more than just access to care,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also about social determinants of health and programs that support the factors that can lead to mental health challenges.鈥
One area that stands out personally is 海角社区鈥檚 workforce and disability employment programs, including and other initiatives through sister company Global Connections to Employment (GCE).
鈥淪upporting individuals with disabilities and helping them find jobs is pretty heartwarming,鈥 Hong said. 鈥淏eing able to work, contribute and feel like a productive member of the community has a real impact on mental well鈥慴eing.鈥
Hong also pointed to trust and credibility as key reasons Florida Blue continues its support. 鈥淭he relationship, the credibility and the trust in the leadership team鈥攁nd the organization as a whole鈥攕peak volumes,鈥 she said. 鈥淲hen we鈥檙e investing resources, that matters.鈥
Looking ahead, Hong sees continued opportunity for collaboration as mental health needs grow. 鈥淲e all play a role in creating a culture of healthy living,鈥 she said. 鈥淏usiness and community leaders have skin in the game, and working together is how we continue to make meaningful progress.鈥