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The Southcoast Health Hospital’s Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) provides a vehicle for improved communication among patients, families and staff. Serving as an advisory resource to administration and trustees, the council discusses and reports on issues concerning the greater South Coast community to improve the reach and quality of care.
Interested in joining? Fill out the form linked below.
The PFAC’s goal is to act as a “consumer advisory group” and serve as a link between Southcoast Health Hospitals and the communities we serve. The PFAC seeks to provide a voice for patients and families about the way in which care is delivered and to discuss concerns about care, quality and access.
The PFAC’s goal is also to champion family participation in hospital care and decision-making and gather information about significant issues and trends to be considered by hospital administration and staff in its policy-making, program development and staff training and education. The PFAC also helps advise Southcoast Health on community-based education needs to better inform the public about how to play an active role in their health care.
The PFAC meets on the fourth Monday of every month, except in July and December. The committee also meets via conference call the second Monday of each month. If you are interested in being a part of the discussion, apply online today to join the Southcoast Health Patient & Family Advisory Council.
Hometown:
Providence, RI
Professional background:
The Rev. Dr. Donnie Anderson is an ordained minister whose credentials are recognized by the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and American Baptist Churches USA.
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
She enjoys the opportunity to present and moderate conversations on the intersection of transgender and community engagement and has published a book about her gender affirming Journey Seven Sunday’s With Donnie. She is also active in social justice issues of race, poverty, and gender.
Why they joined PFAC:
She is the minister at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ in New Bedford and most of her congregants utilize Southcoast Health. She wishes to represent them, their families and neighbors.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2024
Hometown:
Taunton, MA
Professional background:
RN, BSN, and MBA in management with 25 years’ experience in many specialties;
30-year Vice President at a healthcare information systems company, consulting, installing, training and selling software systems; Former healthcare coordinator at Headstart; Trained and supported 100 clinical staffers for VNA on medical record software; General Manager of for-profit subsidiary, HSI, of the VNA of Providence
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
AARP driver’s ed trainer in MA and FL; Provides Medicare D education for seniors and works with Medicare Affiliates (BFAC) to educate seniors on Medicare services, patient empowerment and partnership; Enjoys traveling, computers, and supporting special needs adults; AAUW scholarship chair and Secretary
Why they joined PFAC:
My experiences caring for my husband, Leo, with his terminal illness and my special needs son, my retirement and my background in healthcare and process management.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2010 (Founding member)
Hometown:
Fall River, MA
Professional background:
Marketing Director for The Cordeiro Group – Insurance, Real Estate & Philanthropy
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
Commissioner, Licensing Board City of Fall River
Member, Southcoast Health’s President’s Council
Member, Rotary Club of Greater Fall River
Board Member, Southcoast Insurance Agents Association
Why they joined PFAC:
To assist in the improvement of the quality of care for patients and families who use Southcoast Health’s hospitals and services.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2021
Hometown:
New Bedford, MA
Professional Background:
Director of Day Support Services at Lifestream, Inc.
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
I bring with me a background in advocacy and community service, having earned the rank of Eagle Scout and serving as Chairperson for the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities. I’m also an active member of the Community Health & Wellness Committee, the Disability Accommodations Committee, and Southcoast More Pride.
Outside of my work and advocacy, I find joy in traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time with the people who mean the most to me.
Why they joined PFAC:
“I joined PFAC because of the experiences my husband and I went through in the health system—some deeply challenging, others profoundly eye-opening. Those moments stayed with me. They made me realize how vital compassion, communication, and true partnership are in care. Being part of PFAC is my way of honoring that journey and trying, in whatever way I can, to make things better for someone else walking a similar path.”
Tenure on Council:
2016
Hometown:
Mattapoisett, MA
Professional background:
Non-profit office management; Software product management; Informal educator
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
Leadership Southcoast Alumni Committee member; Enjoys water activities and biking.
Why they joined PFAC:
My passion for quality of care, recognizing improvement opportunities based on my own health and family experience.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2015
Hometown:
Dartmouth, MA
Professional background:
Retired Educator
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
Mary Lou is the president of the Bristol County Retired Teachers Association. She remains dedicated to educators after a career as a teacher, counselor, and administrator in the New Bedford Public Schools. She also taught a course on brain-based teaching and learning at Fitchburg State College and served on the Acushnet School Committee.
Why they joined PFAC:
Mary Lou attended an information session that saved her life. She discussed how she owes her life to the notice of the information session, and to the doctors at Charlton Memorial. Read her story here.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2022
Hometown:
New Bedford, MA
Professional background:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Community Mental Health
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
Enjoys being active and coaching youth sports
Why they joined PFAC:
As a clinician I have seen how physical health and mental health go hand in hand and I would like to bridge any gaps in access to healthcare to those who need it and be an advocate for those who often have a difficult time advocating for themselves or accessing healthcare due to their limitations.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2024
Hometown:
New Bedford, MA
Professional Background:
Director of the New Bedford Shannon Program (NBS) / President of the New Bedford NAACP Branch
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
She is a proud mother of five children and one granddaughter, interested improving the lives, health and welfare of at-risk youth
Why they joined PFAC:
Renee Ledbetter is a New Bedford resident. Her career has encompassed a variety of roles. She has served as Director of the New Bedford Shannon Program (NBS) since August 2019. As director, she is responsible for managing prevention and intervention initiatives and programming, serving as a key point of contact with community partners and developing fluid and effective strategies focused on youth at risk of gang violence. Renee currently serves as the President of the New Bedford NAACP Branch, serves as the Board President for United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts, having been involved in UIA for over 20 years and helping establish the Shannon Program through a UIA campaign. Renee believes deeply in the possibility for change when people of faith come together. She also serves as Director of Youth Ministry & Faith Formation Coordinator at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, member of the parade committee of the Cape Verdean Recognition committee, member of the advisory board of the New Bedford Community Connections Coalition, and member of the New Bedford Police Chief’s Community Advisory Board.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2024
Hometown:
Swansea, MA
Professional background:
Currently, Statewide Health Home Administrator for Rhode Island Opioid Treatment Programs. Field surveyor for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) an international accreditation agency. Former Owner of Center for Treatment and Recovery from 2003-2020. I am a registered nurse and hold a degree from Roger Williams University.
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
Currently the vice-chair of the Swansea Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, board member of the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health (RI). I love traveling, crafting and spending time with my family.
Why they joined PFAC:
Navigating the health care industry is tricky even for those with medical knowledge. Advocacy has always been a very important aspect of my career and as a consumer (also having family as consumers) shared decision making and the provision of functional medicine are extremely important aspects of care that I hear and see are often overlooked.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2024
Hometown:
Wareham, MA
Professional background:
Healthcare information technology and quality measurement and improvement
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
Volunteer Emergency Department Patient Liaison – Tobey Hospital; Volunteer Habitat for Humanity
Why they joined PFAC:
A passion for improving patient and family experience with our healthcare system and an opportunity to get to know and give back to my community.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2021
Hometown:
Dartmouth, MA
Professional Background:
Started career in customer service and support in tech; Higher education; Transitioned to healthcare in 2008; Project management, training and consulting
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
Trustee of the Dartmouth Public Libraries; Member of the DNRT and Helfand Community Garden; Supports and participates at the Marion Institute and Round-the-Bend Farm; Personal interests include music, reading, food and nutrition and sustainable living.
Why they joined PFAC:
Just as the decline of company paid pensions prompted individuals to take control of their own retirement funding, the Affordable Care Act has created an environment where individuals will be best served by increasing their role in their own healthcare. I want to help patients be successful by sharing what I’ve learned about healthcare through my work with doctors, executives and staff at hospitals, and also in an outpatient primary care setting.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2015
Hometown:
Dartmouth, MA
Professional Background:
Marketing and Sales manager with over 35 years of experience in start-ups and large, global firms in the hi-tech, consumer, and commercial and industrial goods and services; Launched and manages a sales, marketing and management process improvement consultancy
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
Board Member of a homeless shelter; Elected City official; Volunteer with My Brother’s Keeper; Member of the Dartmouth Harbor Development Committee; Active runner, cyclist and hiker.
Why they joined PFAC:
Brian became interested in patient advocacy after a very positive experience at the St. Luke’s Emergency Department.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2017
Hometown:
New Bedford, MA
Professional Background:
Community Relations Specialist for the City of New Bedford
Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:
Member of the Board of Directors for the Cape Verdean Association, Executive Member of the NAACP New Bedford Branch, Our Lady of the Assumption Church Parish Council member, Chairman of the City’s Annual MLK Day community program & a leader with United Interfaith Action.
Why they joined PFAC:
To advocate for improved patient experiences, particularly for those facing language, accessibility, and cultural barriers. My goal is to help shape policies and practices to be more patient-centered and inclusive, bridging gaps in communication, access, and cultural understanding within the healthcare system.
Tenure on Council:
Since 2024
For relevant information about PFAC governance and the impact we’ve already had on our community, view our by laws or download the reports below.
Southcoast Health is a not-for-profit, charitable, community-based health system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.