United Way Names Two Dozen to Regional Health Council

United Way of San Diego County has recruited a new Health Vision Council – a group of nearly two dozen accomplished professionals in the health field—who will recommend ways that the nonprofit can collaborate, develop and lead health initiatives to expand and enhance the successful programs already at work in San Diego’s health arena. 

Through the council, United Way brings the right people and resources together to introduce innovative ideas and solve tough problems in health and human services throughout the county. The work will continue UWSD’s proven track record, such as through its SafeCare initiative, which helped achieve a 35 percent decrease in child abuse cases in San Diego County over a two year period. Today, Child Welfare Services practices the program countywide.

The council will start its work with UWSD’s assessment of the local health landscape, conducted over the last year. The organization has hosted community conversations, compiled data and research, and met with local experts to gain insight. San Diegans’ most pressing concerns were access to fresh, healthy foods, safe outdoor spaces to exercise and affordable healthcare.

Chairing the council is Thomas Bumol, Ph.D., vice president of biotechnology and autoimmunity research and president of applied molecular evolution at Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center.

The Health Vision Council consists of 23 members, including Beck, Sawyer, Hann and Bumol:

• Ben Avey, government and media relations manager, Family Health Centers of San Diego
• James Beaubeaux, chief operations officer and chief financial officer, San Diego County Medical Society
• Kim Bond, executive director, Mental Health Systems

• Dr. Bud Beck, community health consultant and board member, 211; Community Health Improvement Partners; and Community Information Exchange
• Michael Brunker, executive director, Jackie Robinson YMCA

• Karen Bucey, community planner in the Advanced Planning Division, Development Services Department, County of San Diego
• Kristin Garrett, executive director, Community Health Improvement Partners
• Dr. Pradeep Gidwani, MPH, director of projects, Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3
• Shaina Gross, MPH, vice president of impact strategies and mobilization, United Way of San Diego County

• Dr. Elly Hann, chief executive officer, Persimmon Scientific, Inc.

• Margarita Holguin, executive director, Chula Vista Collaborative
• Suzanne P. Lindsay, Ph.D., MSW, MPH, associate professor of epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University; executive director, Institute for Public Health
• Erica Bouris, resettlement department manager, International Rescue Committee
• Steve O’Kane, CEO, Council of Community Clinics
• Veronica C. Ortega, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, department of behavior sciences; coordinator, Institute of Human Development; director, Public Mental Health Academy, San Diego City College
• Larissa Roman, executive director, American Diabetes Association
• Nancy Sasaki, executive director, Alliance Healthcare Foundation

• Doug Sawyer, president and CEO, United Way of San Diego County

• Jan Spencely, executive director, San Diegans for Healthcare Coverage
• Daphyne Watson, executive director, Mental Health America of San Diego
• Judith R. Yates, senior vice president, Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties
• Dr. Nick Yphantides, chief medical officer, County of San Diego, Health and Human Services

To find out more about United Way’s work in Health, please contact Shaina Gross, vice president of impact strategies and mobilization, at 858-636-4181 or sgross@uwsd.org.

About United Way of San Diego County

United Way of San Diego County is part of a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways around the world. Locally, United Way is creating sustainable change in the areas of education, income, health and homelessness. In addition to the Bright Futures financial self-sufficiency initiative, we are leading the effort to end chronic homelessness through Home Again, a public engagement campaign, and Project 25, which focuses on the most costly and vulnerable homeless individuals. United Way is a key partner in a number of Education initiatives throughout the county. We harness the collective power of nonprofits, community leaders and thousands of individuals to create change by giving, advocating and volunteering. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to get involved.

To learn more, visit uwsd.org, our Blog, Facebook and Twitter.

From a news release by United Way of San Diego.