Episode Two: The Secure Corner
Heidi Nelson, CEO of Duffy Health Center
Today we are speaking with Heidi Nelson, CEO of Duffy Health Center, about their mission to improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness through healthcare. Duffy serves around 3,400 people annually, providing medical, mental health, and substance use disorder services, especially in response to the opioid crisis and housing instability on Cape Cod.
Heidi explains that Duffy leads in treating opioid use disorder and focuses on people with housing challenges. Despite serving fewer patients than other Cape health centers, Duffy’s growth is driven by addressing the unique needs of this vulnerable population.
A key challenge for Duffy is staffing, especially in clinical roles, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Heidi stresses the need to retain staff and create a supportive work environment while looking forward to retirement, where she hopes to continue supporting nonprofits and enjoying her love for podcasts.
