Remembering Patty Black

This month we take a moment to celebrate the life and legacy of Patty Black, indomitable Patient Leader. In 2007, upon receiving less than adequate health care resulting in life threatening experiences and a prognosis of less than two years to live, Patty decided to spend that time making a positive difference by adding her voice to the Patient Advisory Council of her local integrated health care system. She served for three years in that role and was hired as the PFCC Coordinator. She helped develop a county-wide project that trained and supported pastoral care-teams to provide both assessment and support for individuals and families confronting life crises and was a shadow coach for health care providers.

Over the next 10 years, she expanded her influence across Oregon and nationally. Patty provided technical assistance to Oregon medical groups and a health plan in the RWJF Aligning Forces for Quality initiative, the Oregon Association of Hospital and Health Systems, became a board member of Oregon Health Care Quality Corporation, and served on the Oregon State Task Force for developing standards for patient-centered primary care medical homes as well as patient-centered behavioral health medical homes.

Patty served as a senior faculty member for IPFCC’s seminars and webinars and provided onsite and remote T&TA across the nation. Additionally, she served on numerous national organizations involved with patient engagement, as an IHI national patient advocate, and supported the creation of CPC+ advisory councils in the Northwest in her role as a PFCC Coordinator.

Patty was committed to mutually beneficial partnerships with health care professionals built on trust and respect. Her passion coupled with her kind and gentle manner helped her influence the field through her role modeling and coaching of other PFAs. She always had an infectious smile and a “how can I help” approach, even in challenging times. Perhaps it was her grounding in nature and gardening that renewed her spirit, so she could be so alive and present with each of us.

On April 2, 2020, Patty Black, an amazing Patient Leader, died from an inoperable brain tumor. We will greatly miss her.