Hearing, supporting, and empowering patients in their care
Women across Berkshire County are gaining expanded access to essential reproductive and preventive care thanks to women’s health nurse
practitioner Keegan Strzempko. Coming to CHP from Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Keegan brings extensive experience and specialized training in women’s health.
Travelling between CHP sites throughout the county, Keegan provides care for a wide range of needs, including cervical cancer screenings, birth control, STI screening and treatment, pelvic pain, and breast health. Her work is supported by medical assistant Jada Pridgen, a graduate of CHP’s in-house medical assistant training program.
For Keegan, building trust with patients is at the center of her approach. “I strive to create a space where patients feel comfortable expressing any and all of their needs, concerns, and questions,” she says. “That really starts with building strong rapport and trust. I approach care as a partnership. We’re working as a team to understand what’s going on and decide on the best next steps together.” She emphasizes meeting patients where they are, especially younger patients who may be discussing sensitive topics for the first time. Listening without judgment, she says, helps patients feel heard and respected so they can take an active role in decisions about their care.
Across Berkshire County, Keegan is seeing many women seeking help with preventive care, hormonal health, and reproductive
wellness. “When women come in for regular visits and feel comfortable talking about changes in their bodies,” she explains, “we’re able to catch potential issues earlier, offer more treatment options, and support their overall health through every stage of life.”
Providing these services within a community health setting can make a meaningful difference. Many patients, particularly in North County. face barriers such as long travel distances, limited transportation, or difficulty getting appointments with specialists. By offering women’s health services across CHP locations, patients are much more likely to seek preventive care, stay up to date on screenings, and address concerns earlier.
“What has stood out to me most is how much geography and access to services can shape someone’s healthcare experience,” Keegan
says. “But I’ve also seen how engaged and resilient patients here are. When care is accessible and patients feel supported, they absolutely take advantage of it.”