Sentara Community Care Center (SCC) is transforming the healthcare experience for residents of Newport News by focusing on holistic, patient-centered care that goes beyond traditional medical treatment. The program aims to address not just physical health, but also the social and emotional factors influencing overall well-being.
At the helm of SCC are William Crawley, senior director of operations, and Janae Voorhees, director of operations, who say the program embodies Sentara Healthcare’s broader mission: improving health every day for every person. “We’re focused on the whole person,” Crawley says. “It’s not just about treating illness — it’s about connecting patients with the resources and support they need to thrive.”
SCC offers a range of services designed to meet patients where they are. Medical care is integrated with social support, nutrition counseling and wellness programs, creating a high-contact approach that addresses the multiple dimensions of health. By doing so, SCC aims to reduce barriers that often prevent individuals from receiving care, including transportation issues, limited access to resources and socioeconomic challenges.
Voorhees emphasizes the importance of addressing these barriers. “Every day presents challenges, whether it’s helping someone navigate complex healthcare needs or connecting someone with community resources. The most rewarding moments are when we see tangible progress in our patients’ lives,” she says.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of SCC’s approach. The center works closely with local organizations and healthcare providers to ensure patients receive comprehensive support both inside and outside the clinic. This networked model reinforces healthy behaviors and encourages long-term wellness. “Our work doesn’t stop at the door,” Crawley says. “We’re building a community of care that extends throughout Newport News and beyond.”
SCC is also looking toward the future, exploring ways to expand its reach and enhance patient outcomes. The team is evaluating new programs, potential partnerships and technology solutions to strengthen its model of care. “Innovation is key,” Voorhees says. “We want to make sure we’re constantly improving and meeting the evolving needs of our community.”
The impact of SCC extends beyond individual patients. By addressing social determinants of health and fostering community connections, the program contributes to broader public health improvements and strengthens the overall well-being of Newport News residents.
For Voorhees and Crawley, the work is deeply personal. Voorhees says, “Where I grew up, you didn’t have direct access to care. Stepping outside your door and receiving quality medical care with no stipulations is life altering.” Growing up in rural Virginia, Crawley saw firsthand the challenges of living in a healthcare desert. Now, he witnesses how SCC helps the unhoused regain stability, reconnect with families and even change the course of generations.
As healthcare systems nationwide wrestle with the challenges of providing equitable, patient-centered care, Sentara Community Care Center offers a model for holistic, community-focused solutions. By combining medical care with social support and wellness programming, SCC is redefining what it means to care for the whole person.
For those involved with SCC, the work is more than a job or career. “The joy comes from the relationships we build and the positive changes we witness in our patients’ lives,” says Voorhees. “Every success story reinforces why we do this work. This is about more than healthcare — it’s about giving people the tools, resources and hope to live healthier, fuller lives.”
Whether it’s Crawley’s involvement with his wife and kids, ministry, missions and outreach, or Voorhees’ time spent with family going to amusement parks, theaters and taking dogs on walks, life is about relationship. Who better, then, to lead the charge in establishing a healthcare prototype worth replication.
TOP THE POINT:
Sentara Community Care Center
Address: 3509 Chestnut Ave., Newport News, VA 23607
Contact: William Crawley, senior director of operations; Janae Voorhees, director of operations
Phone: 757-237-2323
Website: sentara.com
