HOUSTON, TX [October 13, 2019] – Many years ago, Debbie Robinson helped make the call on whether The Rose, Texas’ leading breast healthcare organization, would receive critical funding to cover the costs of serving uninsured breast cancer patients.
At the time, she served on the program committee of Episcopal Health Foundation (the Foundation), where her search for potential recipients of St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities’ grant would lead her to The Rose. While serving on the program committee she helped ensure that The Rose’s outreach could extend to many of the 57 counties the Foundation serves.
Today, in a full circle move, Robinson has assumed a board member role at The Rose, to play a more hands-on role in providing care for insured and uninsured women in Southeast Texas.
“You don’t have to venture far from Houston to find counties that are underserved when it comes to breast healthcare. The ability of The Rose to take it to communities in need is crucial,” she observed.
The professional expertise she brings to The Rose stems from a background in the educational, business, legal and medical fields. For the past 14 years, she has been the administrative assistant to the interim head of The Kinkaid School. Prior to that she was a natural gas buyer for Transcontinental Gas PipeLine Corporation, a legal assistant at Baker & Botts and a patient liaison for a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Additionally, her nonprofit board service includes the Junior League of Houston and the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. where she served both organizations as president; The Health Museum; Kappa Kappa Gamma Houston Alumnae Association; the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary; and more.
Robinson, who relocated to Texas as a child, has lived in Houston for most of her life. She and her husband Kent reside in the Memorial area and have raised three children – all graduates of The Kinkaid School. Her youngest daughter also works in the nonprofit sector, and her oldest daughter and son work in the medical field and minor league baseball system, respectively.
Co-founder and CEO of The Rose Dorothy Gibbons believes Robinson’s diverse background will help The Rose accomplish the goal of increased visibility. “As we look at becoming an even greater part of the renowned Houston medical scene with our new facility and ever-expanding mobile fleet, we will rely on board members like Debbie Robinson to help be our voices for advocacy and action. I appreciate all Debbie has meant to our past and I look forward to having her help shape our future.”
Robinson says she hopes to tap into lessons learned in her former role with the Junior League in the areas of best practices and strategic planning, as she assumes her new board responsibilities with The Rose.
“I would love to see The Rose continue to grow and expand their services and visibility in the community,” she said in response to the impact she hoped to have with the organization. “I see The Rose as a hidden gem in services to all women. I want to elevate the organization’s visibility and increase name recognition in the communities The Rose serves.”
She acknowledged she was “still in the learning phase” but points to the expansion of the facilities as a matter she looks forward to learning more about.
“I have a lot to learn and I know that,” she said. “Initially, I hope to be a good listener.”
To schedule a media interview with any member of our board, please contact Lis Harper at 281-846-5976 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.
About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and offers advanced digital technology including 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic workups, biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As a major part of Southeast Texas’ Healthcare Safety Net, The Rose is a strong advocate for quality breast healthcare and access to care. The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients annually. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 43 counties in Southeast Texas.
