Mission-Driven Volunteer
Every day, Baxter strives to make a meaningful difference in the communities where our employees live and work. This commitment is embodied by our dedicated employee, Cynthia. In addition to her work as Baxter's director of clinical quality for Renal Care Services, she is also president of the board of directors for Thresholds, a non-profit organization that provides healthcare, housing and hope to persons with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Cynthia was recently recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as one of its Notable Non-Profit Board Leaders for 2022. We spoke to her about her work with both organizations.
Question: Tell us about your role at Baxter.
Cynthia: Baxter owns dialysis clinics around the world, which provide life-sustaining care to people in renal failure, and every clinic must abide by local regulatory, quality and compliance standards. As Baxter's director of clinical quality for Renal Care Services, my role focuses around providing strategic oversite and management to the teams responsible for meeting those standards.
Q: How did you become involved with Thresholds?
Cynthia: I was drawn to Thresholds because of my background in healthcare and behavioral health, along with a desire to make an impact in my community. As a former practicing nurse and with my experience in the healthcare business, I think I bring a unique perspective and skill-set to the board. And, of course, I have tremendous empathy for people affected by mental health and substance use conditions – they deserve an opportunity to live an independent, healthy life.
Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment as a Thresholds volunteer?
Cynthia: I helped launch a subsidiary called Thresholds Health, a primary care non-profit that provides health and wellness services to underserved individuals on Chicago's West Side. I helped Thresholds Health attain it's non-profit legal status, got us enrolled as a Medicare provider, and hired our first chief executive officer. The work was challenging, but extremely rewarding.
Q: What do Baxter and Thresholds have in common?
Cynthia: I think both organizations are strongly committed to improving access to healthcare, empowering patients, and bringing about impactful change in people's lives. There is also quite a bit of overlap in the populations we serve – for example, most Thresholds clients have at least one advanced physical condition such as diabetes or heart disease. I am immensely proud of the work being done by both Baxter and Thresholds and feel honored to play a part in advancing both their missions.