Latest news with #communityCare
Associated Press
05-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Shawn Blankenship FNP Shares Keys to Purpose-Driven Success
Shawn Blankenship FNP, Charleston, WV. Healthcare Leader Advocates for Small, Consistent Habits and Community Commitment as Tools for Personal Growth and Social Impact Family Nurse Practitioner and U.S. Navy veteran Shawn Blankenship is urging individuals and communities to rethink success—not as fame or financial gain, but as consistent, values-driven effort that leads to lasting impact. Drawing from decades of military service, medical training, and entrepreneurship, Blankenship is speaking out about the power of personal discipline and community care to drive meaningful change. 'Success isn't about titles or money,' Blankenship says. 'It's when the work I do matches the values I live by. That includes providing real care to my patients, being present for my family, and staying aligned with my faith and goals.' His story—rising from a single-parent household, through Navy service, into founding a successful medical clinic—serves as a reminder that small actions repeated daily can build something powerful. From Engine Rooms to Exam Rooms Raised in Huntington, West Virginia, Blankenship enlisted in the Navy in 1988 and worked in ship engine rooms under constant pressure. 'I didn't always feel like the smartest guy in the room,' he says, 'but I could outlast almost anyone.' That same grit carried him through nursing school while working 12-hour hospital shifts. He eventually earned honours from St. Mary's Nursing School, a BSN from Marshall University, and graduated with distinction as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Chamberlain School of Nursing. 'I'd finish a shift, change clothes in the parking lot, and head straight to class,' he recalls. 'When you're tired and no one's watching, that's when your habits take over.' Healthcare with Purpose and Focus In 2018, Blankenship founded Holistic, Inc., a medical clinic in Charleston that blends primary care with mental health counselling. By focusing on small systems—index cards with daily tasks, hallway check-ins, and transparent patient communication—his clinic improved follow-up rates by 40% within a year. 'It may not sound glamorous, but it's how I've moved forward,' he says. 'Success isn't always exciting. It's usually pretty repetitive. But that repetition builds trust in yourself.' Giving Back Where It Counts Blankenship also volunteers twice a month at a local battered women's shelter, offering free check-ups and health education. 'These women often haven't seen a doctor in years,' he says. 'Volunteering reminds me why I got into healthcare in the first place—to serve, not just to work.' According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, over 10 million adults in the U.S. experience domestic violence each year, with many survivors unable to access healthcare. Blankenship believes that grassroots involvement, not just policy change, is key to addressing this crisis. What You Can Do Rather than donate to a cause or attend a seminar, Blankenship wants people to start where they are: 'Start scared, start unsure—but just start,' Blankenship says. 'That's what separates the dreamers from the doers.' To read the full interview, click here. About Shawn Blankenship, FNP Shawn Blankenship is a Family Nurse Practitioner, Medical Director, and U.S. Navy veteran. He is the founder of Holistic Medical Services and Counseling in Charleston, West Virginia. Shawn blends medical care with leadership habits, volunteering, and mentorship. He lives with his wife, Julie, and daughter, Clara, and spends his free time rehabbing properties, running, and golfing. Contact: [email protected] Media Contact Company Name: Shawn Blankenship FNP Contact Person: Shawn Blankenship Email: Send Email City: Charleston State: WV Country: Canada Website: Source: Erase Technologies, LLC
BBC News
10-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Hospice plans could see 16 bed unit on Norfolk and Suffolk coast
A hospice charity has submitted plans to develop an end-of-life care facility in a coastal town 18 years after fundraising Hospice Care launched in 2007, changing its name to East Coast Hospice two years later. In 2023 the charity merged with St Elizabeth Hospice, based in charity says it wants to build a community hospice with 16 beds on its site at Sidegate Lane in Gorleston near Great Newman, chief executive of St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "We are delighted to submit this planning application and share our full plans with the wider community." Plans to build a hospice between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth have stalled for almost two decades as rival charities competed over plans, sites and community was split over supporting the James Paget University Hospital wanting to build a hospice at the Louise Hamilton Cancer Centre, within its site or the independent East Coast Hospice, which had land and won planning consent for a 10-bed the NHS withdrew its plans, East Coast Hospice merged with St Elizabeth which immediately conducted a feasibility study which found a hospice was needed to help patients in Great Yarmouth and said the previous plans were not suitable to the needs identified in its report, and it appointed Norwich-based LSI proposed unit would feature 16 inpatient beds, an outpatient and community hub for day care and therapies as well as a community café. Roberta Lovick, ambassador for the Louise Hamilton Trust, said: "The strength of our partnership will help us achieve our vision of bringing greater parity to end-of-life care in Great Yarmouth and Waveney."When my daughter Louise died in 1998, I vowed to dedicate my life to improving end-of-life care in this community and across the country, and this project, alongside St Elizabeth Hospice, is a significant step toward that goal."This is something we know the community wants and needs. This community hospice building will make a drastic difference to so many people, improving local end-of-life care, giving people more options and support during their precious remaining time with loved ones." Ms Newman added: "We are delighted to submit this planning application and share our full plans with the wider community."With the invaluable support of Roberta Lovick and the Louise Hamilton Trust, we are in a strong position to develop the community hospice sustainably in a single phase."Ed Garratt, chief executive at Norfolk and Waveney ICB (N&W ICB), said: "This is a hugely welcome development, which aligns with our ambitions to enhance palliative and end-of-life care in our region."I wholeheartedly support this shared commitment from the voluntary sector, NHS and community in working together to improve services for the local population." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
South China Morning Post
03-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's John Lee cites ‘good understanding' in meetings with new liaison chief
Hong Kong's leader has attributed his two meetings with Beijing's newly appointed liaison office chief within three days to the need to maintain good communication and understanding with the central government, so he can reflect the city's situation accurately and formulate good policies. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday described Zhou Ji, the new liaison office director, as a 'humble and pragmatic' official, noting that the latter cared about Hong Kong and attached importance to people's livelihoods and district governance, as shown by a community visit he made on the weekend. Lee also highlighted that Zhou held the interests of the city close to his heart and was a staunch supporter of the correct and faithful implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle. Zhou, who succeeded Zheng Yanxiong on Friday as the liaison office chief and adviser to the city's national security committee, met Lee at Government House on Saturday. On Sunday , he made his first public appearance with visits to a Kowloon Women's Organisations Federation centre at Fu Cheong Estate in Sham Shui Po and Cheung Hang Community Hall in Tsing Yi, where he met residents and volunteers of a community care team, which had set up booths for free health checks.
South China Morning Post
01-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
New liaison office chief in first public appearance with Hong Kong community visit
The director of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong made his first visit to the community on Sunday, two days after he took up the role , saying his appointment came with heavy responsibilities but reflected the trust Chinese President Xi Jinping placed in him. Zhou Ji, the executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), replaced Zheng Yanxiong as head of the central government's liaison office, the State Council announced on Friday. Zhou also met Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Saturday. According to the liaison office's website, Zhou visited a community centre of the Kowloon Women's Organisations Federation in Fu Cheong Estate in Sham Shui Po and Cheung Hang Community Hall in Tsing Yi on Sunday. He was seen meeting local residents and volunteers of a community care team, which set up booths for free health check-ups. Zhou said Xi was deeply concerned about the well-being of Hong Kong residents. 'It is a great honour to work at the liaison office. This signifies the profound trust placed in me by General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Central Committee,' Zhou said. 'I deeply understand the immense responsibility this entails and am resolved to fully, accurately and unswervingly implementing the 'one country, two systems' and 'patriots ruling Hong Kong' principles.' He said he would resolutely uphold the constitutional order and the Basic Law, as well as firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
