Selynto Anderson, PhD, FACHE, Chief Community Health and Impact Officer at Lee Health

Dr. Selynto Anderson, Chief Community Health and Impact Officer at Lee Health, shares his personal and professional journey shaped by growing up in rural South Carolina and the profound impact of Hurricane Ian, which tested and affirmed Lee Health’s mission to be a trusted partner in empowering healthier lives. He discusses the persistent health disparities in Lee County—particularly around access to care, chronic disease management, maternal and infant health, and behavioral health—emphasizing that these challenges are deeply intertwined with social determinants like food insecurity, housing, and transportation. Through innovative, community-driven initiatives such as listening tours, mobile health units, and targeted colorectal cancer screening programs, Lee Health is closing gaps by designing care that meets people where they are. Dr. Anderson advocates for embedding health equity into the core of institutional strategy rather than treating it as an add-on, demonstrating how aligning mission with business goals strengthens both community impact and organizational performance. Looking ahead, he highlights the importance of community partnerships, telehealth, AI-driven care models, and proactive outreach as key drivers for reducing disparities and building resilient, equitable health systems.