PBN Healthiest Employers Awards 2022
500-1,499 EMPLOYEES
5. Providence Community Health Centers Inc.
CEO (or equivalent): Merrill R. Thomas, CEO and president
Number of employees: 630
PEACE OF MIND is top of mind for the 630 employees at Providence Community Health Centers Inc.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Providence-based health center focused more on employees’ physical well-being – healthy nutrition, regular exercise, heart health and various medical screenings.
But since 2020, mental health is in the spotlight as front-line employees serve 58,789 patients, 90% of them at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Also, the center has offered employees an online service that helps decrease stress and worry, with resources 24/7.
“That’s why we’ve moved to online platforms,” said Melanie Gomes, PCHC’s human resources business partner. “They’re self-serve … and they let employees choose what they’re dealing with.”
In June, the center also began addressing the growing stressor of potential workplace shootings. Employees have expressed gratitude that the center’s security officer is walking through each site with employees to help plan quick escape routes or secure hiding places, Gomes said.
A Healthy Thought: ‘When everyone’s lives flipped upside down in March 2020, people were struggling mentally. It’s not just physical health anymore – it’s a lot of mental health as well.’
MELANIE GOMES, Providence Community Health Centers Inc. human resources business partner
