Marshawna Lockett has endured a decade of medical challenges. Through it all, she has found unwavering support from her care team at UF Health Jacksonville. Beyond health care, Lockett has also received assistance with housing, counseling, dental services and more. She found access to those resources at the Social Services Hub, an initiative of the Urban Health Alliance at UF Health Jacksonville.

The Social Services Hub, a program offered within UF Health Jacksonville’s Total Care Clinic, offers wrap-around holistic support to patients enrolled in the clinic. Launched in June 2021, the hub complements the clinic by addressing social issues that impact the health of vulnerable patients like Lockett. In this way, patients are treated with an integrated approach that enhances their overall well-being.

“With all the health issues I’ve faced, I’ve met fantastic doctors I just love,” Lockett said. “I am so very grateful for them and the Social Services Hub. They’ve given me hope and the encouragement I needed to help me get back on my feet.”

Social Services Hub employee Keisha Quaintance said that finding hope through a positive spirit is a necessary first step in the program. “Our resilience training focuses on changing a negative mindset into a positive one,” Quaintance said. “We also strive to connect patients with reliable resources in the community, so they can live a healthier and more productive life.”

Access to area services is vital for patients like Lockett, according to Ann-Marie Knight, MHA, FACHE, vice president of community engagement and chief diversity officer at UF Health Jacksonville.

“Northeast Florida has a wealth of social service agencies, and having one hub where patients can connect to a wide range of resources is key,” Knight said. “The timing of our work is perfect; findhelp®, a social services support tool, has now launched in our electronic medical record and provides an ability to centrally manage social services support, whether in the hub or across the organization. The Social Services Hub offers a high-touch approach, meaning we are designed to maintain our connection with our patients. This allows us to be there for the various milestones of success with each person.”

For Lockett, her work with Quaintance and the hub have played an important role in her wellness journey.

“I’m very appreciative of the understanding and support I get from Keisha,” Lockett said. “When I first came to the Social Services Hub, I think Keisha could tell that I was really in a tough spot. She has given me quite a bit of information and connected me with helpful services.”

Lockett said that Quaintance also adds a personal touch to all that she does.

“She’s seen me in the clinic waiting room and will sit with me and check in on me, asking me who I’m there to see and making sure that I’m staying out of trouble,” said Lockett, laughing. “I tell her, ‘I’m trying!’”