Building Healthier Communities: Jaeann Ashton on Mental Health, Maternal Care & Community Impact

When we think of healthcare, most of us picture hospitals, doctors, and treatments. But the truth is, health goes far beyond hospital walls—it’s about access, education, and the ability to thrive in every area of life. On this episode of the She Believed She Could™ Podcast, host Allison Walsh sits down with Jaeann Ashton, Executive Director of Community Engagement at AdventHealth Central Florida, to explore how partnerships and proactive programs are transforming the way communities receive care.

From expanding mental health resources to improving maternal and fetal wellness and addressing social determinants like food, housing, and transportation, Jaeann shares how her team is creating solutions that meet people where they are—and change lives for the better.

Behind every initiative is a leader with a vision, and for Central Florida, that leader is Jaeann Ashton. With over 20 years of experience spanning healthcare, media, education, and nonprofit sectors, Jaeann has built her career around mission-driven work.

As the Executive Director of Community Engagement for AdventHealth Central Florida, she oversees partnerships with 200+ nonprofits each year, guiding programs that not only provide resources but also build sustainable change. What sets Jaeann apart is her heart for connection—she believes in building meaningful relationships and involving her own children in volunteer opportunities to instill the value of giving back in the next generation.

Her leadership is a reminder that creating healthier communities requires both strategy and compassion.

Every three years, AdventHealth conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to identify the most pressing challenges facing the region. The latest results revealed three critical priorities for 2026–2028:

• Mental Health — Expanding youth-focused care, destigmatizing conversations, and creating urgent care access for kids in crisis.

• Maternal and Fetal Health — Providing free prenatal education, postpartum care, and resources to reduce preventable risks.

• Basic Needs Access — Partnering with nonprofits to address food insecurity, housing challenges, and transportation barriers.

These priorities aren’t abstract goals—they reflect the lived realities of families across Central Florida.

One of the most impactful initiatives discussed in the episode is the Be a Mind Leader campaign, designed to open the conversation about mental health in families and schools. With resources available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, the campaign empowers parents and children to talk openly, seek support, and access services sooner.

By embedding providers in pediatrician offices and keeping urgent appointments available, AdventHealth is ensuring families get help before situations escalate. As Jaeann shared, “We built an urgent care model for kids in crisis because the ER isn’t where they belong.”

Maternal and fetal health is another cornerstone of Jaeann’s work. Free prenatal classes, access to care navigators, and initiatives like community baby showers are breaking down barriers and creating safer, healthier experiences for mothers and their babies.

One especially moving story Jaeann shared is of a mom who went through their postpartum program, found the support she needed, and has now come full circle—working as a coordinator to help other mothers. It’s proof that when you invest in one life, the impact multiplies across families and generations.

Health isn’t just about medicine—it’s about whether you can get to work, put food on the table, or find safe housing. Jaeann’s team partners with nonprofits to provide practical solutions, from mobile showers for the homeless to workforce development programs that give young people new opportunities.

By going beyond financial donations and serving alongside organizations—whether through volunteering, board leadership, or operational support—AdventHealth ensures the solutions are holistic and lasting.

At the heart of Jaeann’s story is a powerful message: Leadership is about service. True community health is built on collaboration, listening, and the willingness to act. As she shared on the podcast, “We don’t just write checks—we serve on boards, volunteer, and solve real problems alongside nonprofits.”

Her journey is a powerful reminder that each of us has the ability to create ripple effects of impact. Whether it’s through volunteering, advocacy, or simply showing up for others, we can all be part of building healthier, stronger communities.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here