Barbara and Todd Kopczynski: Driven to Uplift Women

Drive to Thrive mobile medical unit rendering

As Atrium Health continues to prioritize equity in healthcare delivery, leaders of Atrium Health Women’s Care aim to reach women in every corner of the community with affordable care and reproductive education. Established by local benefactors Barbara Kopczynski and her husband Dr. Todd Kopczynski — known fondly by his patients as “Dr. K” — the Drive to Thrive program will soon begin serving neighborhoods across Charlotte where residents have limited access to reproductive, maternal, and prenatal care.

Once launched, the program will be sustained with philanthropic support for the Women’s Care Drive to Thrive Mobile Unit Fund administered by Atrium Health Foundation on behalf of Atrium Health Women’s Care.

Quote from BarbaraInspired by a similar outreach program in New England, Barbara and Dr.Kopczynski saw an opportunity to bring medical care to Charlotte’s most vulnerable populations through a women’s care mobile medical unit. From the moment they approached Atrium Health, they knew their dream was in capable hands. With a common passion for women’s health and their connection as former colleagues during residency, Dr. Suzanna Fox and “Dr. K” (along with his wife, Barbara) made the perfect team to spearhead the innovative program. As deputy chief physician executive and enterprise service line leader of Atrium Health Women’s Care, Dr. Fox has long aspired to deliver care to women with limited access and financial means.

“This impactful gift from Todd and Barbara will allow Atrium Health Women’s Care to expand our reach and ability to care for all patients, closer to home,” commented Dr. Fox. “I’m exceedingly grateful for their generous gift to help realize this dream for our service line.”

Retiring this summer after practicing obstetrics and gynecology for more than 30 years, Dr. Kopczynski will volunteer on the Drive to Thrive mobile medical unit, which is anticipated to launch early this fall with a goal of expanding to other regions in the future.“It has always been important to Barbara and me that we help young people reach their greatest potential,” shared Dr. Kopczynski.

 

The Drive to Thrive mobile medical unit was designed by Farber Specialty Vehicles – the same designer and fabricator of Atrium Health’s Covid-19 mobile vaccination units. The Kopczynskis and Dr. Fox collaborated with Farber to create an environment that will be welcoming and comfortable for patients receiving care or counseling.

*The rendering of the mobile unit pictured above is subject to change.