VCU news

By Joe Kuttenkuler

RICHMOND, Va. – Sheryl Garland, vice president of community outreach for the VCU Health System has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems.

Garland replaces former MCV Hospitals’ CEO and NAPH board member Carl Fischer, who retired in 2002.

Created in 1980, the NAPH represents over 100 metropolitan hospitals and health systems across the country and works at the federal, state and local level to address the unique needs and challenges faced by urban health care institutions.

“The NAPH really has evolved into a think tank aimed at developing strategies to strengthen safety net heath care delivery systems,” said Garland. “The membership of this group is very active in creating partnerships throughout communities that enable quality heath care services to continue for the uninsured and underinsured.”

Since joining the VCU Health System in 1986, Garland’s work has largely been in the ambulatory care arena. As a part of a collaborative initiative with the Richmond City Department of Public Health and community leaders, Garland worked with the late Hayes Willis, M.D. to lead the University's efforts in developing the Hayes E. Willis Health Center of South Richmond – a primary care facility that serves the uninsured and underinsured. She also was instrumental in forging a partnership with the RCDPH to integrate services into primary care clinics and physician offices, and she helped establish a care coordination program for uninsured patients in the city.

“Sheryl has a proven track record of working with the local communities in dealing with the needs of the medically underserved,” said John Duval, CEO of the VCU Health System’s MCV Hospitals. “She has demonstrated real creativity in building solutions to improve access to care and this coupled with her vast experience in ambulatory and other areas of health care, makes her imminently qualified for this board position.”

According to Garland, projects like the Hayes Willis Health Center and the RCDPH partnership are examples of how collaboration between NAPH members can spread successful ideas – both programs were based on models created in other cities.   

“VCU benefits by having the opportunity to sit at the table with innovative leaders from other organizations who are grappling with the same problems we are. I’m truly excited about the opportunity,” said Garland.

Garland received her Masters in Heath Administration from VCU in 1988, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University in 1982.

She begins serving on the board immediately.