Meet your Care Navigation team

Making Health Care Make Sense

Hundreds of MNPS employees, retirees and dependents have turned to the Whole Person Care Navigation team from Vanderbilt Health for support with their benefits and their health this year. Maybe it's time you do, too.

While many people already know and love this team, not everyone is familiar just yet. So, we sat down with nurse navigator Yolonda Powell, and licensed mental health professional, Tyler Banks, who are dedicated solely to the MNPS population, to get answers to frequently asked questions about this amazing benefit.

What is Whole Person Care Navigation?

This is a team from Vanderbilt Health designed specifically for MNPS employees, retirees and their dependents. This dedicated team can help you make the most of your health benefits and serve as your guide for all the physical, mental and emotional care available to you.  

Why is this such an important service for the MNPS population?

Teachers and support staff face unique challenges. When caregiving is your profession, it puts a lot of pressure on you. You’re managing the health, well-being and safety of other people’s children all day, then heading home to take care of your family’s needs. When it comes to your own care, you don’t have any time or energy to waste. Having someone you trust, who can guide you and get you where you need to go quickly, is so valuable. 

How is this different from other benefits offered by MNPS?

With all the benefits MNPS offers, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you and how to use it. Our team is a front door to your benefits, a starting point and personalized guide for your health journey. We make it easier to find the right support, and we remove much of the guesswork and uncertainty.

I often feel overwhelmed when seeking care and using my benefits. You can help with that?

You have many physical and mental health benefits available to you, which can make it hard to know where to turn when you need support. It’s also common to have more than one health concern at a time. Our team is here to relieve that burden. You show up, tell us what’s going on, and we take it from there. We can help you decide where to start, set a plan and then find the care you need.

How do I know when to reach out to this team?

If you need help understanding your benefit options, finding a primary care doctor or specialist, setting health priorities, looking for mental health or emotional support, or finding a health coach to motivate you and hold you accountable, you should reach out.  If you aren’t sure what you need or just feel lost, reach out. If you ask a question we can’t answer, we’ll find someone who can.

How much can you help with my health care?

That’s a great question. We try our best to go above and beyond for every person. At the end of the day, this is your care journey. We’re a guide, an assistant throughout the process, and an accountability partner. But your health is still in your hands. We help you take the next step with confidence — but you still have to take the step.

Can you give me an example of a specific scenario where I could get help from your team?

There are endless examples. Here are a few. You need a therapist who is in network, close to home and available to work around an educator’s schedule. We can help you find one. If an exact match isn’t available, we’ll pivot and help you find the care you need, such as exploring virtual options.

Or maybe you need to consult with a specialist and want support throughout the process. We can work with your doctor to make sure the referral is completed, help you prepare for the visit, equip you with the right questions to ask and explain what to expect. After the visit, we’re here to follow up and make sure you understand what was shared and feel ready to tackle your care plan.

How do you work with my doctor? 

We don’t replace your primary care provider or care team. Instead, we support those relationships and make them stronger. We can help you better understand a diagnosis and follow through on your doctor’s recommendations, especially lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Your doctor can refer you to us to support your goals, and we can keep your doctor in the loop as we make progress together.

What else should I know about this team?

This team is part of the MNPS community and looks for ways to support employees beyond one-on-one care. For example, we recently launched the MNPS Heart & Sole Walk Club, which helps people increase physical activity, enjoy the health benefits of nature and connect with their peers. We visit a different park close to Nashville once a month for a group walk. Our next walk is Saturday, May 30. Visit our Teams channel for more details.

How do I get started? 

It’s easy to get connected with our team. Visit select.vanderbilthealth.com/wholepersoncare or call 615-421-1711 to speak with Yolonda and the Whole Person Care team. Bring your questions. We’ve got answers.