Leigh Ann Yost
ChooseWell Communities
Job Title: Executive Director
Member of the KHC for: ChooseWell joined the KHC in 2022
Leigh Ann provides the executive direction for the small non-profit, including administration and management of three employees. ChooseWell’s mission is to create a community that equips families in recovery with children under the age of five to choose well for their futures.
What are you currently working on that you are most excited about? How do you think it will drive improvements to health and healthcare in the community?
ChooseWell navigates the complexities of the healthcare system by providing support to our families who might not be getting the care and resources they need, and the more we can prove and document that our best practices actually save money, the community benefits and thrives. Entering a new partnership with The Healing Place, we’ll share resources in order to serve more families. Our true focus is recovery of the parents to benefit the environment of the children.
What do you see as the biggest threat to our community’s health? How do you feel it needs to be addressed?
I feel the biggest threat to our community’s healthcare is the treatment of the poor and underserved, specifically people of color. Tending to not be believed, they’re not given the same care as someone with private insurance, creating a rut in the chain of our community. Every medical professional needs to be trauma informed, know adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) forwards and backwards, and show compassion.
Why do you and your organization belong to the KHC? What do you find most valuable as a member?
ChooseWell enjoys networking and getting to know our community, especially in health care. Our unique strategies and approaches to keeping families substance-free and building their recovery capital is able to grow through alliances with our health care partners. Sharing this success with other members of KHC could give us enough support to serve hundreds of families. Learning about other resources from KHC members is also valuable.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am a professional musician and have music on Spotify and iTunes.
What are you passionate about?
Child development and child abuse prevention.
