Recognizing Excellence in Health Care Leadership
Blue Shield Promise honors individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions and providing high-quality, compassionate care.
During a special ceremony, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan will celebrate over 30 extraordinary individuals and organizations for their commitment to addressing health needs in the community. This esteemed event, known as the Leading the Way Awards Dinner, honors those who have made significant strides in enhancing health access and ensuring that residents have access to quality care.
A Tribute to Health Champions
The honorees represent a diverse array of sectors within the health care environment, working tirelessly to improve health equity and provide accessible services to the community. Their dedication shapes a healthier future for many individuals and families.
The Leading the Way Awards
Kristen Cerf, the president and CEO of Blue Shield Promise, reflects on the mission behind the awards: "Our Leading the Way Award winners are champions of care and innovation. Their dedication ensures that Medi-Cal members and the community receive essential services for an active, healthy life. They truly make a difference in our community."
The awards this year will encompass numerous categories, namely Distinguished Service, Wellness & Empowerment, Youth Engagement & Resiliency, Equitable Health Access, and Quality Health Care.
Acknowledging Outstanding Contributions
This year, the Visionary Awards—considered the highest honors—will go to SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services) and Fernando Sañudo, CEO of Vista Community Clinic. Both have made remarkable contributions to meet the health needs of residents over the years.
SBCS expressed gratitude for the recognition, with CEO Kathryn Lembo stating, "It’s a powerful affirmation of our commitment to meet community needs with compassion and promptness. Every action we take is motivated by responsibility not only to our funders but to each individual and family we serve." She highlights the organization's dedication to creating impactful change within the community.
Fernando Sañudo added his perspective, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the clinic's success: "It's about the collective strength of our team who are guided by values such as access, equity, and community well-being. Community health centers are pivotal in transforming lives, fostering resilience and equity every day."
Leading the Way Honorees
The awards recognize a wide range of innovative leaders across categories aimed at improving health care outcomes.
Leading the Way for Distinguished Service
- Blanca Fresno, MD
- Chris Gordon, MD, MBA
- Mumtaz Almansour, MD
- Francisco Recalde, MD
- Gina Rosenfeld, MD, FAAP
- Joe Sepulveda, MD, ABPN, ABPM, FAPA, FASAM
Leading the Way for Health Access
- Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego
- Deaf Community Services
- Episcopal Community Services
- San Diego Regional Center
- Serving Seniors
Enhancing Community Wellness
- Humanity Showers
- Sharia's Closet
- Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO)
- Think Dignity
- Voices of Our City
Empowering the Youth
- Barrio Logan College Institute
- Community Wraparound
- North County LGBTQ Resource Center
- San Diego Youth Services
- Teens Rise Foundation
- transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project
- Youth Empowerments Finest
Quality Health Care Initiatives
- Family Health Centers of San Diego - Highest Quality Performance (Large Size Group)
- Vista Community Clinic - Highest Quality Performance (Medium Size Group)
- San Diego Family Care - Highest Quality Performance (Small Size Group)
- Neighborhood Healthcare - Quality Measures Achievement
- La Maestra Community Health Centers - Most Improved in Quality
About Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is a managed care organization devoted to offering the Managed Medi-Cal program. Driven by a members-first philosophy, it focuses on supporting a broad network of providers and fostering partnerships with community organizations. Serving approximately 580,000 members, it continuously strives to enhance health care accessibility and quality for all its clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Leading the Way Awards?
The awards celebrate individuals and organizations that make significant contributions to health care quality and accessibility.
Who are the recipients of the Visionary Awards?
The Visionary Awards will be presented to SBCS and Fernando Sañudo for their ongoing commitment to the San Diego community.
In what categories are the awards given?
Awards are given in categories including Distinguished Service, Wellness & Empowerment, and Health Access, among others.
Who is honored for their service in health care?
The event recognizes a diverse group of health professionals and organizations focused on enhancing health care accessibility.
What is Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan?
It is a managed care organization committed to serving Medi-Cal members and ensuring quality health care through provider partnerships.
