Welcome to Impact Unfiltered! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the heart of community health with Dr. Bernard Davis, founder and CEO of RAO Community Health, a dynamic organization serving Charlotte and beyond. Hosted by Philippe, this conversation unpacks Dr. Davis’s journey from disease intervention specialist to visionary leader, highlighting RAO’s holistic, patient-centered approach to sexual health and beyond.
You’ll hear about RAO’s range of services—from HIV care, PrEP, and housing support to innovative doula and physical activity programs—designed to wrap care around patients and break down barriers like stigma, transportation, and housing insecurity. Dr. Davis shares defining moments from his career that shaped his vision, speaks candidly about the challenges facing marginalized communities and nonprofits in today’s changing funding landscape, and outlines his aspirational vision for RAO as a “franchised” model of compassionate care.
Packed with honest insights and bold ideas, this episode is an inspiring look at the power of community-driven impact, patient advocacy, and adaptive leadership. Whether you’re looking for fresh approaches in healthcare or just want to be uplifted by stories of real change, you won’t want to miss this one.
1. Introduction and Background of RAO Community Health
- RAO’s identity as an inclusive organization, led by a Black man but serving diverse communities
- Overview of patient demographics: African American, growing Spanish-speaking population, and emerging focus on women
- Support services offered: deposits, utilities, back rent, mortgages
2. Origins and Evolution of RAO
- Founding story: creation by Dr. Bernard Davis and four others, initial partnership with clinical entity
- Splitting from original clinical partner due to mission misalignment
- Securing a medical director and nurse practitioner through grant writing
- Early challenges during COVID-19 and rapid organizational development
- Partnership with Avita pharmacy and expansion into on-site pharmacy services
3. Services and Programs at RAO Community Health
- Medical care for HIV-positive and non-HIV-positive individuals
- Introduction and expansion of primary care services, including PrEP and PEP
- Integrated lab and support services; patient follow-up for medication retention
- Successes in viral suppression rates and their significance
- Establishment of RAO’s own pharmacy
4. Housing and Social Support Programs
- Description of the HOPWA program and support for HIV-positive individuals in securing housing
- Collaborations with City of Charlotte on a voucher program covering 11 counties
- Impact of stable housing on medical care retention and viral suppression
- Plans to hire social workers and expand social support
5. Community Outreach and Holistic Care
- Emphasis on serving all demographics, not strictly an African American or Black organization
- Growing focus on women’s health due to rising HIV rates
- Innovative programs like the doula program, including partnerships for training and certification
- Collaboration with Johnson C. Smith University and Novant Hospital
- Supporting graduates with certifications, marketing, and establishing their businesses
- Exploring future expansions, e.g., "doula with dads" initiatives
- Place-based outreach: testing (A1C, STI, height/weight), physical activities, aerobics classes, therapy sessions
- Multi-year engagement with neighborhoods for holistic community support
6. Patient-Centered Model and Organizational Philosophy
- Purpose of holistic, one-stop-shop approach: patients’ comfort, avoiding repeated retelling of their stories
- Creation of a home-like environment for patients, emphasizing safety and comfort
7. Defining Moments & Leadership Motivation
- Personal stories illustrating patient support and its influence on organizational vision
- Importance of empathy, social work, and individualized attention in leadership
8. Barriers Faced by Ryan White Patient Communities
- External barriers: transportation, food insecurity, stigma, housing
- RAO’s proactive solutions and prioritization (housing, transportation), including out-of-grant support through personal funding
9. Healthcare Challenges and Organizational Response
- State-level challenges: North Carolina’s budget and Medicaid issues
- Organizational adaptations for healthcare access, including insurance support and response to shifting funding landscapes
- Expansion considerations: serving patients beyond RAO’s immediate area via virtual or brick-and-mortar options
10. Impact—What It Means at RAO
- Multiple dimensions: quantitative (reach & metrics), qualitative (life change for patients), organizational (patients’ feedback shaping RAO’s offerings)
- Patient-driven service expansion, e.g., developing primary care
- RAO as a persistent change agent amid market and funding shifts
11. Innovations and Future Directions
- Exploring models for future care delivery: house calls, concierge service, mobile units, hybrid models
- Maximizing use of limited physical space while forecasting growth
- Pharmacy as an evolving part of care, including pharmacists as care partners
- Cautious consideration of AI adoption in healthcare
12. Role of Pharmacy and 340B Program
- 340B’s central role in funding organizational and patient support
- Use of proceeds for premiums, transportation, copays, social worker/therapist services
- Distinction from larger institutions: reinvestment directly into patient support
- Addressing misconceptions and defending the ethical use of 340B funds
13. Vision for RAO: Next 3, 5, and 10 Years
- Expansion model: RAO as a “franchised” operation serving wider geographic areas
- Responding to closures and shifting funding environments with collaborations and partnerships
- Leadership development for succession planning and continuity post-retirement
- Aspiration for research, clinical trials, and data dissemination
14. Leadership Lessons for Future Generations
- Importance of self-care and taking time off for recalibration
- Advice to young leaders: patience, strategic breathing, and avoiding rush in leadership roles
15. How to Get Involved and Upcoming Initiatives
- Ways for listeners to support RAO: donations, volunteering, social media engagement
- Anticipated major initiatives: opening of RAO’s own pharmacy in 2026 and other undisclosed projects
