“There are two things I have a passion for: education and health. No one should be denied either. CHP provides both.” ~ Catherine Miller
What is your history with Community Health Programs?
I was on the board during three pivotal periods in CHP’s history. First, in the 1970s, when CHP began as Children’s Health Program; years later, when CHP became a federally-qualified health center, and during another stint when CHP was seeking real estate and funds to build a new home for its Great Barrington medical practice, administration offices and Family Services program.
I am so privileged to have had those opportunities. I have felt compelled to support CHP monetarily and in other ways ever since.
A former dean of students at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Catherine she later worked for Wheeler & Taylor Insurance and has been active in the community. She’s now retired.
What inspires you most about CHP?
I’m very pleased and proud of my good health, but there are so many people who don’t have it, who don’t have access to care, and who don’t know what to do about it. CHP is here for those people.
Why should others support CHP?
If you don’t have your health it’s hard to have good quality of life, so those of us who have it should reach out to others. It’s difficult to get good care and some people can’t find a health care Clinician. I tell people to go to CHP – you’ll find doctor or nurse practitioner who can become yours.
With patient care and education in CHP’s medical practices, and parent education at Family Services, Catherine knows her financial gifts to CHP are improving her neighbors’ health and education.
I’ve talked with people who, after connecting with the care at CHP, suddenly have a quality of life they didn’t have before, or their illness has subsided. CHP is just a crucial part of our community.