Leadership Lakes Region explores community wellness during 'Health Issues' program day

LACONIA — The latest Leadership Lakes Region program day, themed “Health Issues,” took participants on a narrative journey through the vital systems that sustain the Lakes Region. The group spent the day moving from the clinical frontlines of Concord Hospital’s Laconia campus to the holistic residential care of the Taylor Community, exploring how health care is shifting from reactive treatment to proactive community wellness.

The morning began at Concord Hospital, where Interim CAO Tom Harlow and Administrative Director of Nursing Melissa Golightly pulled back the curtain on hospital operations. Their insights into clinical leadership set the stage for Johnathan Lile Sexton of the Partnership for Public Health, who led an insightful session titled “Connecting with Our Community” that highlighted the essential link between public health initiatives and local outreach. Adding a personal touch, Heidi Smith (LLR Class of '25) highlighted the power of philanthropy, showing how individual advocacy fuels the hospital’s growth and modernization. After a short journey to the Taylor Community, the day’s energy shifted toward long-term wellness and compassionate care.

Following a welcome from President and CEO Michael Flaherty, who outlined the pathways to residency and the facility’s diverse service tiers, Wellness Director Becky Chase Hamilton had the group on their feet, breaking the traditional meeting mold, proving through group exercises that physical activity is a cornerstone of both personal health and professional productivity.

The narrative took a deeper, more reflective turn as Corey Gately of Concord Hospital and Mike Gallagher of Navigating Recovery presented “Compassion for our Community.” Their joint session illustrated the critical partnership between clinical substance use services and peer-led recovery, emphasizing the human element of the regional health crisis.

The day concluded with a focus on community resilience. Fire Chief Tim Joubert (LLR Class of '12) shared the success of the Winnipesaukee Mobile Health Program in bringing care directly to doorsteps, while Heather Stanley of the Partnership for Public Health provided hands-on empowerment. Under her guidance, participants earned certifications in "Stop the Bleed" and Hands-Only CPR, leaving the program not just as informed leaders, but as citizens equipped to save lives.

Leadership Lakes Region extends its sincere gratitude to sponsors Concord Hospital Laconia and Taylor Community for their hospitality and commitment to leadership development. For more information, visit leadershiplakesregion.org.