What is the role of community members on the board of directors?

Community members on the board of directors play a crucial role by representing the perspectives and needs of the individuals seeking healthcare services. Their involvement ensures that the governance of health organizations is aligned with the community's values and priorities. By having community members on the board, healthcare entities can better understand the unique challenges and requirements of the populations they serve. This representation fosters trust and collaboration between the healthcare system and the community, ultimately leading to improved access, quality, and relevance of services provided.

In contrast, designing healthcare policies or managing financial resources typically falls under the expertise of health administrators and other professionals with specialized training. Conducting health assessments is usually the responsibility of healthcare providers or specialized teams, not board members, who primarily focus on governance and strategic oversight.