“Whole Person Care” As More Than A Slogan
By: Erica Stokes
In recent years, the term “Whole Person Care” (WPC) has become an increasingly popular slogan in the healthcare industry. While it is often used to describe an integrated approach to care, the true meaning of WPC goes beyond just offering medical treatment. According to Dr. Scott Conard, WPC should encompass not only physical and mental health but also emotional, social, financial, and spiritual well-being (Oss, 2024). For organizations like the Community Service Board of Middle Georgia (CSBMG), WPC is more than just a slogan—it is becoming ever more important in guiding principle our agency toward the future.
What is Whole Person Care?
Whole Person Care involves treating individuals holistically, addressing the interconnected biological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors that affect health. This approach shifts the focus from merely treating diseases to promoting overall health and resilience across a person’s lifespan (Oss, 2024). At its core, WPC seeks to empower individuals, families, and communities by improving their health in multiple dimensions. Dr. Conard points out that simply making healthcare more accessible or reducing out-of-pocket expenses does not fulfill the true spirit of WPC, as these measures only address a fraction of what makes up a person’s overall well-being (Oss, 2024).
CSBMG’s Approach to Whole Person Care
CSBMG continues to work towards adopting in adopting WPC strategies as a fundamental aspect of its services. Through various programs and community initiatives, CSBMG actively works to address not only the physical and mental health needs of individuals but also their emotional and social well-being.
For example, CSBMG’s Rise Up program demonstrates WPC by assisting hospitals in preventing recurring overdoses and providing mental health services through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) (CSBMG, 2024). In addition, the program distributes Narcan kits and Fentanyl test strips, helping individuals take preventative measures to ensure their safety (CSBMG, 2024).
Moreover, CSBMG supports the whole person by offering parenting classes that help families develop resilience and emotional well-being. The organization’s donation of 900 pairs of socks to the Telfair County Jail further exemplifies its commitment to addressing the social and community aspects of care (CSBMG, 2024).
Integrating Behavioral Health and Accountability Courts
One key aspect of CSBMG’s approach to WPC is its involvement with accountability courts. These courts serve as a bridge between the criminal justice system and rehabilitation services, providing individuals with the resources they need to recover and reintegrate into society. CSBMG collaborates with various accountability courts, including Drug Court and Mental Health Accountability Court, to offer recovery programs that focus on substance use and mental health (CSBMG, 2024).
Through these programs, CSBMG not only addresses individuals’ immediate healthcare needs but also works to improve their long-term financial, emotional, and social well-being. This comprehensive approach reflects the essence of WPC by providing individuals with the tools to lead healthier, more resilient lives.
The Role of Technology and Integrated Delivery Systems
In addition to its community-based programs, CSBMG has embraced telehealth services as a way to make care more accessible, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth enables individuals to receive mental health support and MAT services remotely, which is especially important for those with transportation barriers or living in underserved areas (CSBMG, 2024). CSBMG also works closely with primary care organizations and practices as a way to easily coordinate care for physical health or individuals served.
However, as Monica E. Oss (2024) highlights, having integrated service delivery systems is not enough. For WPC to be effective, clinicians and providers must collaborate across disciplines, utilize new technologies, and adapt payment models to ensure that individuals receive the full spectrum of care they need. CSBMG’s telehealth services are a step in this direction, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to leveraging technology to deliver holistic care.
Whole Person Care is not just a buzzword for CSBMG; it is a comprehensive approach to improving the well-being of individuals and communities. By addressing the physical, emotional, social, and financial aspects of health, CSBMG exemplifies what WPC embodies. Whether through its community programs, involvement in accountability courts, or telehealth services, CSBMG remains dedicated to helping individuals lead healthier, more resilient lives.
References
Community Service Board of Middle Georgia. (2024). Rise Up Program Overview. Internal Report.
Oss, M. E. (2024, October 14). Whole person care as more than a slogan. Open Minds. https://www.openminds.com