Pandemic Taught Crucial Lessons on Transparency and Misinformation, Says SSM Health Officer

In a wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Alexander Garza, Chief Community Health Officer for SSM Health, offered candid insights into St. Louis’ social challenges, healthcare landscape, and pathways toward regional collaboration during the latest installment of the “Winning STL” interview series.

The discussion, hosted by Post-Dispatch Publisher Ian Caso, is part of an ongoing initiative featuring prominent St. Louis business and civic leaders who have invested significantly in the region’s future. Dr. Garza’s perspective comes at a critical juncture for the metropolitan area as it grapples with persistent public health disparities, social inequality, and the continuing impact of COVID-19.

Drawing from his extensive background in public health, which includes serving as the Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during the Obama administration, Dr. Garza addressed the complex social determinants affecting health outcomes across St. Louis. He highlighted how economic conditions, educational opportunities, and neighborhood environments create substantial disparities in health metrics between different parts of the region.

“What we see in St. Louis mirrors national trends, but with some pronounced local characteristics,” Dr. Garza explained. “The divide between north and south St. Louis County, for instance, isn’t just geographic—it represents stark differences in life expectancy and healthcare access.”

The conversation took a deeper dive into the region’s COVID-19 response, with Dr. Garza reflecting on his role leading the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force during the height of the crisis. He shared lessons learned about coordinating healthcare systems, communicating public health information, and addressing vaccine hesitancy across diverse communities.

“The pandemic exposed existing fractures in our healthcare system, but it also demonstrated our capacity for collaboration when faced with a common threat,” Dr. Garza noted. “The question now is whether we can maintain that collaborative spirit to address our chronic challenges.”

Vaccination efforts have been particularly challenging in some communities, according to Dr. Garza. He discussed the importance of building trust through community partnerships and addressing the historical factors that contribute to healthcare skepticism among certain populations.

When asked about regional fragmentation—a persistent issue in St. Louis governance—Dr. Garza offered pragmatic perspectives on how healthcare organizations and other institutions can bridge divides. He emphasized that effective regional solutions require inclusive decision-making processes that elevate voices from historically marginalized communities.

“We can’t solve problems for communities; we need to solve them with communities,” he stressed. “That means recognizing expertise beyond traditional power structures and investing in grassroots leadership.”

The interview also touched on SSM Health’s strategic initiatives to expand access to preventative care in underserved areas and integrate behavioral health services into primary care settings. Dr. Garza highlighted several innovative programs designed to address social determinants of health, including partnerships with housing organizations, food security initiatives, and educational institutions.

Looking toward the future, Dr. Garza expressed measured optimism about St. Louis’ capacity to overcome its challenges through intentional collaboration. He pointed to successful models in other metropolitan regions where cross-sector partnerships have effectively addressed similar issues.

“What distinguishes thriving regions isn’t the absence of problems—it’s the ability to work together toward solutions,” Dr. Garza said. “St. Louis has all the ingredients: world-class healthcare institutions, innovative community organizations, and dedicated leadership. The key is aligning these assets around shared priorities.”

The “Winning STL” series has featured numerous regional leaders, including Amy Shaw of Nine PBS, Jesse Bockrath of the Urban League, Steve Schankman of Contemporary Productions, and Jim McKelvey, founder of Square and Bloclerly Square. Each conversation explores different dimensions of the region’s challenges and opportunities, creating a composite view of St. Louis’ potential pathways forward.

Dr. Garza’s interview provides a vital healthcare perspective to this ongoing regional conversation, emphasizing that improved health outcomes are inextricably linked to broader social and economic progress throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.