Remembering Alan Hodge: A Patient Leader Who Helped Shape NHC
At Neighborhood Health Center (NHC), our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding how care is delivered in our community. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, NHC is governed by a patient-majority Board, meaning patients help shape decisions that impact thousands of neighbors across our clinics. One of those patient leaders was Alan Hodge, whose dedication, humor, and perspective left a lasting mark on our organization.
Neighborhood Health Center is deeply saddened by the passing of former Board member Alan Hodge, who served on the NHC Board of Directors for seven years, including as Treasurer.
Alan first joined the Board after being referred by the Membership & Engagement Services Manager, Shae Ballenger, who, at the time, was a Front Desk Receptionist at NHC Milwaukie Medical Clinic. Like many patient board members, Alan initially questioned whether he had anything valuable to contribute. What he wanted most was to give back.
He often shared his appreciation for the care he and his mother received at NHC, particularly from Dr. Guffanti, or “Dr. G,” as Alan proudly called him. Feeling heard and included in his own care meant a great deal to him, and that experience motivated him to help improve the healthcare system for others.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Neighborhood Health Center is governed by a patient-majority Board of Directors, ensuring that patients' voices guide how care is delivered in our community. Alan embraced that responsibility and became a thoughtful advocate for patient-centered care.
During his seven years on the Board, Alan brought insight, humor, and perspective to conversations that shaped decisions affecting thousands of patients across NHC’s clinics.
“Alan always brought so much wit and perspective to our board meetings,” said NHC CEO Jeri Weeks. “He had the room in stitches many, many times during his time on the board. I enjoyed learning about his guitar playing and travels. He was more than just a board member; he was a friend.”
Alan’s life extended far beyond his role at NHC. He was a lifelong musician, a competitive billiards player, and a published author writing under a pseudonym. Those who worked with him also remember his sharp, dry sense of humor and the thoughtful perspective he brought to every discussion.
Dr. Guffanti, who cared for Alan and his mother, reflected on the many sides of his personality.
“Alan contained multitudes,” Dr. Guffanti shared. “A musician, a billiards player, a son, an advocate. Like many people, he had difficult experiences with the healthcare system, but he used that experience as motivation to improve it. While his personality may have rubbed some healthcare providers the wrong way, it was also the source of a strong partnership in care.”
Alan’s dedication to improving healthcare also shaped his own journey. During his time connected with NHC, he returned to school and earned an associate’s degree in accounting. After moving to North Carolina to help care for his mother, he secured part-time work in the accounting department of a medical practice, a milestone he was proud to share with colleagues and friends.
Even after stepping down from the NHC Board in 2020 following his move, Alan remained connected to the organization and the people he worked with during his time here.
“Alan meant so much to me,” Weeks said. “His memory will live on at Neighborhood Health Center and with me personally.”
Alan’s service on the Board reflected the spirit of patient leadership that is central to community health centers. His voice helped shape the care we provide today, and his commitment to improving the healthcare system for others continues to inspire our work.
We are grateful for Alan’s leadership, his humor, and the impact he made at NHC.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.