LifeStyles Names Dr. Richard Cook First Medical Director To Expand Care In Southern Maryland

LA PLATA, Md. — For nearly a decade, Dr. Richard E. Cook Jr. has worked alongside LifeStyles of Maryland as the nonprofit helped people navigate homelessness, hunger and other challenges. Now, he is stepping into a new role designed to make health care easier to reach for some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.

LifeStyles announced Thursday, Aug. 27, that Cook has been appointed as the organization’s first volunteer medical director.

Cook will volunteer his time and medical expertise, advising LifeStyles leaders and staff on health-related policies, procedures, community health initiatives, grant work and appropriate medical referrals. He may also help identify pathways to care for people with complex medical needs, particularly those who are uninsured, medically underserved, experiencing homelessness or at risk of falling through gaps in the health care system.

“Dr. Cook understands that the best way to connect people with healthcare is to show them what’s available and then help them navigate barriers and find the right resources so they can receive care with dignity,” LifeStyles CEO Sandy Washington said. “His medical expertise, longstanding relationship with LifeStyles and genuine commitment to the people we serve make him the perfect person for this role.”

Nearly A Decade Of Working With LifeStyles

Cook has worked with LifeStyles for nearly 10 years and has seen the organization respond to people facing some of the community’s most difficult circumstances.

He is affiliated with Cook & Siu LLC and is board-certified in internal medicine. He holds a medical degree, a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration.

“What has always impressed me most about LifeStyles is its willingness to roll up its sleeves and do the difficult work that too often no one else steps forward to do,” Cook said. “That is precisely why I am honored to join their efforts and offer my medical services.”

Cook said he wants to help ensure that people experiencing homelessness receive appropriate care while being treated with dignity, humanity, compassion and equity.

The medical director position will primarily be administrative and advisory. Cook will not serve as an ongoing personal physician through the program, and the position does not replace emergency, primary or specialty medical care. Instead, his role will strengthen the guidance LifeStyles provides as staff members help residents find appropriate health services.

More Than One Kind Of Help

Although the new position has a health care focus, LifeStyles’ work reaches nearly every part of daily life for people facing hardship.

The organization serves residents who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes, hungry, unemployed, without reliable transportation or struggling to afford basic expenses. When LifeStyles cannot provide help directly, its staff works to connect people with another agency or community partner.

Through its Homeless Services division, LifeStyles connects individuals and families with emergency resources and works toward more permanent housing options. Its Housing Services include emergency, transitional and permanent housing programs, along with assistance for survivors of domestic violence.

The organization’s Human Services staff can help eligible households pursue emergency financial assistance, homeless-prevention subsidies, rehousing support, benefits, financial management resources and employment assistance.

LifeStyles is also transforming a former Newburg motel into Southern Crossing, a transitional housing community intended to give individuals and families a safer place to live while working toward long-term stability.

How To Receive Help

Residents unsure where to begin can visit LifeStyles’ Find Help Now page, which organizes assistance by need, including housing, food, transportation, clothing, employment, financial help, domestic violence services and tax preparation.

LifeStyles’ main office is at 101 Catalpa Drive, Suite 103, in La Plata. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents may call 301-609-9900 or toll-free at 1-866-293-0623.

Residents seeking human or supportive services may also email HumanAndSupportServices@lifestylesofmd.org.

How The Community Can Help

Community members can donate online or apply to volunteer. Volunteers help collect, organize and distribute food, manage donated items and support community events. Opportunities are available for adults and young people, although applicants younger than 18 must complete a separate application.

LifeStyles also accepts bottled water and nonperishable food at its La Plata office during regular business hours.

Clothing in good condition, hygiene products, household items, small appliances, winter coats, blankets and bedding may be taken to the LifeStyles Distribution Center at 3410 Leonardtown Road in Waldorf from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. No appointment is required, but the center is closed on the first Tuesday of each month for staff training.

A complete list of accepted donations is available through the organization’s Give Resources page.

With Cook joining the organization, LifeStyles is adding medical guidance to the housing, food, transportation and support services it already provides, giving staff another resource as they help Southern Maryland residents move from an immediate crisis toward greater stability.

To learn more about LifeStyles of Maryland, request assistance, volunteer or donate, visit LifeStylesOfMD.org.

---