Sparta Community Hospital is pleased to announce that Jennifer Barbour has joined the team as the Director of Relations.
We are so excited to welcome Jennifer, as she brings experience and energy to this important position,” states Joann Emge, CEO of Sparta Community Hospital. In October, Sparta Community Hospital was selected to participate in the National Rural Health Center’s Delta Region Community Health Systems Development (DRCHSD) Program to help the Hospital assess healthcare needs, align services to meet those needs; improve financial, operational and quality performance; and develop a local system of care to prepare for population health. Jennifer will act as the liaison for this program and the hospital.
“Jennifer will work with community partners to better understand the health needs of the population we serve, as well as identifying the barriers to prevention, while increasing the awareness of available resources,” explains Emge. “Ultimately, Jennifer’s work will assist our community make a cultural shift towards healthier living, as we collectively prepare for population health.”
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to work in my home community,” comments Barbour, a native of Steeleville. “There is something special knowing that the work I will be doing will help affect change in a community that I know and love.”
Jennifer currently serves as the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Steeleville, and as the leader of her nieces’ Daisy Girl Scout Troop. Most recently, Jennifer worked as the Director of Marketing at Pinckneyville Community Hospital, where she served as a member of the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Perry County Health Coalition, and Perry County Drug Coalition.
She has nearly 15 years of experience in healthcare and social services marketing, public relations and outreach, a Master’s in Public Administration and Bachelor’s in Public Relations from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.