New Executive Director to Lead Health Visions Midwest Inc.

Health Visions Midwest

Fort Wayne, IN- HealthVisions Midwest Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon Tubbs as its new Executive Director, leading the charge for the nonprofit organization across Indiana and Illinois. A Fort Wayne native, Tubbs has been integral to the agency's Fort Wayne office since March 2020, and her elevation to the role of Executive Director comes at a crucial juncture as Midwest grapples with post-pandemic the challenges in achieving health equity and access for the underserved.

Effective January 1, 2024, Tubbs will assume leadership of Health Visions' three locations in Fort Wayne and Hammond, IN, and East St. Louis, IL. This transition follows the dedicated service of outgoing Executive Director Paula Wills, who, stationed in East St. Louis for the past five years, initiated the change in leadership as she transitions toward retirement. This move marks a significant milestone, as the first time in 25 years that the organization's top executive will be based in Fort Wayne.

Reflecting on the ongoing impact of the pandemic, Tubbs expressed her commitment to addressing disparities and promoting healthy living in under-resourced communities. "I'm honored to work with the compassionate and talented Health Visions team in Indiana and Illinois. Together, we will strengthen our advocacy for equity and we forge partnerships to tackle systemic disparities, " Tubbs remarked.

Wills, in her role as Director of the agency's East St. Louis office, will continue her involvement with HealthVisions. Commenting on the transition, she stated, "It was and is an honor to serve with the people of God doing His work. look forward to collaborating with Sharon as she leads us in fulfilling our mission, vision, and values."

Founded in 1998 to advance the mission and values of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Health Visions Midwest has been dedicated to reducing disparities and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. Initially stemming from the Poor Handmaids' ownership of St. Joseph Hospital in downtown Fort Wayne, the organization continues to champion treating patients with dignity and respect, irrespective of discriminatory factors.

Health Visions Midwest offers a range of services tailored to community needs and is recognized by the Indiana Community Health Worker Association (INCHWA) as a statewide trainer for Community Health Worker (CHW) certification. In Fort Wayne, the agency runs a Latino Outreach Program and specializes in health education for chronic conditions affecting marginalized communities, such diabetes and obesity. Beyond this, HealthVisions oversees the Allen County Health Equity Coalition, partners with churches, hosts monthly online wellness hours, operates farm markets in food desert areas, and raises awareness about lead poisoning. In other cities, the organization provides transportation assistance, anti-isolation programs for seniors, information and assistance services, and initiatives combating cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the nation.

For media inquiries, contact: Felicia Say: 260-745-1600; fsay@hvusa.org

5800 Fairfield Ave., Suite 140

Fort Wayne, IN 46807

Phone: 260-745-1600

Web: HVUSA.org