In the Heart of the City

Over the past four months, one truth has become unmistakably clear: GBMC HealthCare’s mission is alive and thriving in the hands of extraordinary people. Every team I’ve met demonstrates compassion in action.

As I continue touring our system—listening to teams and seeing firsthand the impact of their work—I am reminded at every stop why I am so proud to lead GBMC HealthCare. Our Health Partners practice in Jonestown stands out as a powerful example of our mission in motion.

During my tour and participation in their staff meeting, I saw a team defined by dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to their community. They are solid citizens in every sense—people who live our mission daily and deliver care with deep purpose.

At GBMC HealthCare, our mission calls us to deliver the highest quality care to every patient, every time. That commitment doesn’t stop at the county line.

Just a few miles from our Towson campus, the GBMC Health Partners practice in Jonestown is quietly transforming lives. Tucked into a neighborhood where food deserts, housing instability, and gaps in care have persisted for decades, the passionate people in our Jonestown practice are doing something remarkable: they’re closing those gaps – one patient, one care plan, one success story at a time.

Powered by a grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, Jonestown expanded its services starting in 2022. The results speak for themselves.

• 57% of patients screened had a social determinant of health (SDOH) need requiring intervention. The top three: food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation.
• More than 91% of patients were screened for weight, 99% for blood pressure, and 84% for depression and anxiety. Now, blood pressure control is at 87%, and diabetes control at 94%.
• Over 57,000 pounds of food have been provided in conjunction with community partners. And thanks to community partnerships and streamlined workflows, Jonestown hosted more than 100 health promotion events in just two years.

The impact goes beyond metrics. It lives in the stories.

Like the patient whose diabetes was dangerously out of control when she first arrived. The Jonestown team didn’t just write a prescription. They called an ambulance, got her to the hospital, helped her stabilize, and then ensured she had the right insulin and tools to manage her condition moving forward.

Or the patient who, struggling with missed appointments and food insecurity, opened up to her provider. She now receives regular transportation assistance and weekly support with meals. These are simple interventions that made all the difference in her ability to stay connected to care. 

So what makes Jonestown work? According to Derica Mayfield, the practice manager, it’s the people.

“It’s hard work, but when patients start to feel better, when they bring in their graduation certificate from a recovery program, or when they come back just to say thank you, it reminds us why we do this,” she said.

Dr. James Baronas, the physician who’s been with Jonestown since day one, agrees. “Our goal is simple,” he said. “Provide the same excellent, evidence-based care we offer in the county to those in the city who need it most. Everyone deserves the best.” He adds: “Some of the most meaningful relationships I’ve built are with patients who first came to us during really difficult times, working to rebuild their health and their lives. Years later, many are still coming to see me for primary care. It’s a privilege to walk alongside them on that journey.”

I’m so proud of this work and the passion of the people who are making it possible. This is our vision in action. Jonestown shows what’s possible when mission meets action.  

I hope you’ll take a moment to watch this video, which highlights some of the important work our teams are doing in the Jonestown community.

This week, I'm excited to introduce a new "Employee Spotlight" segment to my posts. It's my goal to introduce a member of the GBMC HealthCare family each week so you can get to know more about our teams and the amazing work they do.

Employee Spotlight

Shannon Littleton

Ambulatory Practice Administrator

GBMC Health Partners - Texas Station, Joppa Road, Call center, Referral Center and After-hours emergency

How long have you been at GBMC HealthCare?

19 years

What is one key way you support a zero harm/safety culture?

I encourage staff to speak up about any potential risks or near misses—before they become harmful to a patient. Reporting is not punitive; it’s a shared responsibility and an opportunity to learn and improve. By identifying issues early, we can prevent harm from occurring again. My goal is to create an environment where safety is everyone’s priority and continuous improvement is part of our culture.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

When I see team members develop professionally, gain maturity, or build confidence because of my encouragement or leadership, I feel a deep sense of pride. I also value hearing different perspectives because they help me grow as well. I’ve always been fascinated by people’s thought processes and the reasoning behind their actions—it’s an opportunity to learn and lead at the same time.

What's one unique thing we'd be surprised to learn about you?

I was afraid of flying so the first plane I ever got on, I jumped out of (went skydiving)!