News

New director will focus on quality care, increased access to care and workforce support

Medford, Ore.— Today, Jackson Care Connect announced Leona O’Keefe, M.D., has joined the organization as Medical Director. O’Keefe brings more than 15 years of health care leadership and advocacy work to Jackson Care Connect.

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. O’Keefe in this leadership role,” said Jennifer Lind, Jackson Care Connect CEO. “Her deep experience and leadership in family medicine, public health and quality care align perfectly with Jackson Care Connect’s mission to improve the health of our community.”

Dr. O’Keefe recently served as Jackson County’s Public Health Officer and Medical Director. In that position, she provided key leadership through the public health emergency, coordinated health care systems to help ensure access to high-quality care in the community and improved community health through education and communication with both health care providers and the general public.

“I am thrilled to join the passionate, creative team at Jackson Care Connect and become part of their efforts toward improving health care for our community,” said O’Keefe. “I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with our local medical leaders to create new strategies that support their workforce, while also increasing access to high quality care for their patients.”

As Medical Director, O’Keefe will manage Jackson Care Connect’s clinical and wellness programs to meet the needs of members. She will also be a key liaison for the organization’s clinical network and work with clinic system leaders to meet quality care metrics. This will include supporting the local network as they rebuild their workforce following the pandemic. O’Keefe will also provide direction in support of Jackson Care Connect and CareOregon’s CCO health transformation and process improvement efforts. 

In addition to her work with Jackson County Public Health, O’Keefe has also provided support to Josephine County Public Health. She was formerly an Associate Medical Director for AllCare Health CCO and a Physician at Boulder Care, providing treatment for patients with substance use disorders. Dr. O’Keefe has been a Family Medicine Physician in urban and rural federally qualified health care settings, as well as in a rural international setting. She currently serves on the Oregon Health Authority Metrics and Scoring Committee.

O’Keefe studied neurology, physiology and behavior at the University of California, Davis, when she decided to become a physician to serve populations most in need. She was drawn to family medicine because of its focus on the entire family and getting to know each patient as a whole person. Dr. O’Keefe completed medical school at the University of Southern California and completed her residency at the Ventura County Medical Center. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians.