Author Archives: summergathercole
The Power of Political Will
The reason why Colorado was finally able to move forward with its behavioral health reform efforts is political will. I have said this several times publicly. Despite the call for behavioral health reform for years, if not decades, the difference … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged behavioral health, change, coalitions, colorado, governor, legislature, political will, reform
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There’s a Connection Between Geography and Structure
Did you know that New Zealand is a country made up of two islands? I had no idea until I was on a plane enroute to its capital, Auckland. It was at a time in my life when I was … Continue reading
Posted in Blog
Tagged adaptability, ambiguity, flexibility, New Zealand, planning, structure, systems change
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Yes, This Really Happened.
I’m organizing a trip for a group of friends and asked each of them to pitch in $100 towards the deposit. Brian gave his money to Amy and asked her to pass it on to me. I thought this was … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged funders, grantees, philanthropy, power dynamics, relationships
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When It Comes to Integrated Care, We Have Work to Do
I know that we have a lot of work to do to integrate health care, and my recent experience simply reinforced that. Two years ago, I was feeling a little down-and-out and I couldn’t shake it off. I made an … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged behavioral healthcare, depression, integrated care, prescriptions, primary care physician
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Take Opioids. No, Don’t. Yes, Do.
Last week, I had my tonsils taken out. As an adult, this is a pretty painful surgery, and ice cream is not a prescription for recovery. But Percocet is. And given all that we’ve heard about the opioid crisis, I … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged addiction, opioid, pain, percocet, prevention, treatment
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I May Be Wrong, But….
When I’m wearing my work hat, I stay away from politics. I don’t talk about it and I don’t blog about it – especially these days. But it’s been on the forefront of my mind because I’ve been working with … Continue reading
I’ve Got That Hometown-Gym-on-a-Friday-Night Feeling
“Love you!” “xoxo” “Big hugs!” When I first moved to the community that I now live in, neighbors that I had just met would end their texts with these types of phrases. I’m not going to lie: I was a … Continue reading
Giving Meaning to Work
About a month after starting my first “real” job at a public accounting firm following college graduation, I vividly remember waking up and thinking, “I can’t believe that this is going to be my life for the next 40 years, … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged HBR, meaningful, nonprofits, purpose, salary, work
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It’s Time to Stop Faking Wellness
“Mental Health is a challenge, but not a weakness.” This is a statement made in the recent HBR article, “We Need to Talk More About Mental Health at Work.” I totally believe in and agree with the statement. However, it … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged corporate wellness, employees, HBR, mental health, wellness, work, workplace
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Philanthropic Failures Are Not Always a Bad Thing
Yes – there is failure in philanthropy. And it’s a good thing. Last month, well before the SSIR article, “Getting the Best Possible Failures in Philanthropy” was released, I was talking with a funder about taking risks and possible failure. … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged failure, funders, learning, philanthropy, risks, SSIR
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