Amida Care CEO Honored With Health Care Leadership Award From Acacia Network
October 15 2015
Doug Wirth, President and CEO of Amida Care, New York’s largest Medicaid Special Needs Health Plan (SNP), received the Health Care Leadership Award from the Acacia Network, Inc. at its 45th Annual Gala on October 15 in midtown Manhattan. The largest Latino-founded nonprofit in New York, Acacia Network is a community-based organization offering health, housing, education, and economic development services.
The award recognizes notable contributions to health care on local, state, and national levels. Wirth received the award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to improve underserved communities, address health care disparities, and solve health care’s broader challenges.
Amida Care is a not-for-profit health plan that specializes in providing comprehensive health coverage and coordinated care to New York City Medicaid and Medicare recipients with chronic conditions, including HIV and behavioral health disorders. Acacia Network, formerly “Promesa,” was one of several community organizations that founded Amida Care in 2003. Wirth has led Amida Care for nearly 10 years and has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS for decades, including serving as a Health Policy Advisor to New York City Mayors David Dinkins and Rudy Giuliani, where he oversaw the community planning process that led to binding recommendations for over $100 million in Ryan White funding to New York City and New York State.
“I am deeply honored that the Acacia Network has chosen to recognize me, and I am grateful to Acacia for partnering with Amida Care to help make our successful health outcomes possible,” said Wirth. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead an organization like Amida Care that improves the health and quality of life of people coping with multiple complex health conditions, including HIV/AIDS. These are people who have the greatest need for access to the kind of specialized, comprehensive care that Amida Care provides.”
“Doug’s outstanding commitment to quality, inclusiveness, and ensuring people have joy and happiness in their lives is a shining star to the health care industry,” said Pam Mattel, COO of Acacia Network. “A staunch advocate in health care transformation through the growth of Amida Care, the most successful Special Needs Plan in NY State, Doug has consistently articulated a compelling vision combined with realistic, innovative solutions to significantly improve the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS.”
Other awardees included Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Council Speaker, for the Latina Leadership Award; Anne-Marie A. Hendrickson, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development Deputy Commissioner, for the Leadership Award; Jason A. Helgerson, Medicaid Director, State of New York, for the Health Care Transformation Award; Arnaldo Segarra, NYC Commission on Human Rights Commissioner, for the Community and Public Service Award; and Milagros Baez O’Toole, Acacia Network Board Chair, for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Former New York City Mayor David Dinkins was also a guest at the event and made remarks.
Wirth’s leadership at Amida Care has contributed to impressive HIV health outcomes that save lives and produce cost-savings in the health care industry:
- Over 93% member engagement in care
- A 93% success rate in getting members on anti-retroviral medications
- A 70% viral load suppression rate among our members
Leading to:
- A 74% decrease in hospital admissions/readmissions
- A 35% reduction in overall medical expenses
Both Acacia and Amida Care are committed to providing integrated care that focuses on holistic wellness. More than just a health care plan, Amida Care helps members achieve the best quality of life possible by working closely with each member to provide support and services that address the whole person—physical, mental, and emotional. Amida Care’s integrated care team also helps members with social determinants of health such as secure housing, employment, legal concerns, food insecurity, and transportation.
For more information about Amida Care, please visit www.amidacareny.org.