Cornell Scott Excellence in Leadership Award for Jack Cradock

Bethesda, MD, March 24, 2014—John P. (Jack) Cradock, EBNHC President, was honored by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) for leadership and meritorious service in the Community Health Center Movement. Mr. Cradock was presented with the Cornell Scott Excellence in Leadership Award, one of the NACHC legacy awards for community health leaders and advocates for the medically underserved. The award was presented at the 39th Annual NACHC Policy and Issues Forum in Washington, DC, an event attended by more than 2,000 health center leaders from around the country.

“As health administrator, community leader, and advocate for the medically underserved, Jack has moved the nation to address health inequities and to recognize the strengths and value of a community-based health system,” said Gary Wiltz, MD, NACHC’s Board Chair, during the award presentation. “For nearly 40 years, Jack has been at the forefront of initiatives to grow America’s Health Centers and to expand health care access. He has shared his expertise and experience serving on numerous health reform boards and commissions at all levels and testifying before Congress. He has continued to play a leading role in both NACHC and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers—having served as NACHC Board Chair and Treasurer of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. We salute his accomplishments that have improved the quality of life in communities in need.”

“NACHC has led our nation’s effort to expand primary health care services to vulnerable populations,” said Jack Cradock. “I am deeply honored to receive this award and am grateful for NACHC’s tremendous leadership as we work to improve the quality of health care in our communities.”

Mr. Cradock is a graduate of the Boston College School of Management. Prior to his service at East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC), he helped to establish the Brookside Community Health Center in Boston. He also served as Executive Director of the South Cove Community Health Center in Boston’s Chinatown. Thanks to his leadership, EBNHC is recognized as one of the largest and most innovative health centers in the country. It provides more than 300,000 patient visits per year—more than any other ambulatory care center in New England. A leader in community-based services, EBNHC provides an array of primary and specialty care services. Its satellite emergency facility is one of only two health center emergency facilities in the country, and provides treatments ranging from minor surgery to cardiac stabilization.

“Jack Cradock has continued to be a leader at every level of community health care delivery in Massachusetts,” said James W. Hunt, Jr., president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. “Whether creating a state-of-the-art satellite emergency care facility, an innovative primary care workforce institute, or model patient-centered care initiatives, Jack has kept East Boston Neighborhood Health Center at the cutting edge of expanding and sustaining access to care for the most vulnerable.”

Under Mr. Cradock’s leadership, EBNHC has developed numerous innovative programs, including the Elder Service Plan—a comprehensive health care program for frail elders that is part of the national Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE.

EBNHC’s Pediatrics Department cares for almost every child living in East Boston. As part of an effort to prevent childhood obesity, the Pediatrics Department launched the Let’s Get Movin’ Program to promote exercise, nutrition, and other healthy lifestyle choices for children and families.

EBNHC has been recognized for its achievements in health information technology and care coordination, and the health center was awarded the highest recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)—a Level-Three distinction—for its Patient Centered Medical Home Program. EBNHC was also one of the first community health centers in the nation to adopt an electronic health record system, which is used for all departments, including the health center’s digital radiology suite.

Community Health Centers serve as the health care homes to more than 22 million people in more than 9,000 communities. Each year they save more than $1,200 per patient in total health care costs, and achieve $24 billion in annual savings from reduced emergency room visits, hospital stays, and specialty care costs, including $6 billion in combined state/federal Medicaid savings. With demand for health centers climbing nationwide, local, state, and national support for initiatives that support and strengthen their mission is critical, now more than ever. The network of health center grassroots advocates, working in communities across the country to spread the message, helps make this key support possible.

Founded in 1970, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance and expand access to quality, community-responsive health care for America’s medically underserved and uninsured. NACHC represents the nation’s network of over 1,200 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that serve over 22 million people through over 9,000 sites located in all of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center has been a vital part of the community for more than 40 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all who live and work in East Boston and the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Winthrop. EBNHC handles 300,000 patient visits per year—more than any other ambulatory care center in New England.