My First 100 Days

My first 100(-ish) days at PCC have featured many conversations. I’ve talked with staff, with health center partners, with funders and government officials and others in the healthcare space. What I have not found is a need for dramatic change in who we serve or how we do so. PCC has a strong skill set driven by a smart strategic plan and continues to do critical mission work, even as we face incredible uncertainty.

What I have found, are:

• Clearer ways I think about who PCC is and what we do
• Opportunities to leverage past success and current plans for even greater impact

I’ve said before that the who PCC is/what we do conversation is a challenge. Trying to distill 30+ years of backbone work into a brief, memorable introduction that is detailed enough to be useful and short enough to be accessible is no small task. But we’re getting closer.

My current thinking about the PCC “Secret Sauce” is using our knowledge (of supporting vulnerable populations) and expertise (in being the backbone builders and managers of coalitions) as leverage to create positive returns. What does that look like? 

Sophy Yang, Data Detective

On any given day, colleagues will find Sophy Yang, PCC's Program Data Analyst, poring over data from Montgomery Cares partner health centers. While most people only see billing codes, medical procedure descriptions, and test results, Sophy sees them as clues to a greater story. "I like to think of myself as a data detective," Sophy explains. "Over the years I have come to recognize that the information that I get from Montgomery Cares and from the health centers provides me with details that I can then piece together into an incredible overview of the health and well-being of our community. There are some very interesting insights in all that data, and it’s my job to make sense of them."

In addition to providing all the basic information that appears in the quarterly and annual reports PCC publishes, colleagues regularly ask Sophy for insights to help them administer their programs. “I recognize that what I uncover is consequential. What I deduce from the raw information can be very useful to them. So, the fact that we collaborate so closely helps me find data that could be important to them."

What’s your plan for national make-a-will month?

“when they died they left no instructions, just a legacy to protect.” – Hamilton

Few of us want to think about our own mortality. But ignoring that fact doesn’t change it. What it does do is create lots of confusion for those left behind. This month, consider what kind of legacy you want to leave. If it involves charitable bequests—whether to PCC or someone else—now is as good a time as any to put those wishes in writing. If it does involve PCC, we have newly-launched planned giving policies and templates on our website.

The Primary Care Coalition's 2025 Storytelling Show is just around the corner. Mark your calendars for November 6, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., as we gather at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at One Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

This annual event is not just a gathering; it’s an experience filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and inspiring narratives that will resonate with you long after the final story is told. Join us as we celebrate the art of storytelling and the incredible community we share.

So, save the date and stay tuned for an invitation that will include a link to purchase your tickets. This is a show you won’t want to miss! We can’t wait to see you there!

Free Back to School (BTS) Vaccines – Montgomery County DHHS. July – September 2025.  Multiple Locations

Understanding and Reporting Hate Bias and Crimes Panel Presentation. Thursday, September 4, 7-9pm

Mobile Health Clinic.  September 18, 10am – 4pm WUMCO Help Inc.  17821 Elgin Rd. Poolesville MD  20837

Free Annual Health Fair – Sri Lankan American Society of Health. September 28, 10am – 2pm   Maryland Buddhist Vihara, 2600 Elmont St, Silver Spring, MD 20902

Family Empowerment Resource Fair – Montgomery College. Saturday, September 27,
11am – 3pm. Arthur and Miriam Becker Family Quad and Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Student Services Center, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD 20850