Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible, while acknowledging that not everyone is the same or requires the same services. The issue of health equity crosses over many sectors and populations, including disability, child welfare, criminal and juvenile justice, and aging.
Join our expert panelists to explore the root causes of health inequity, the role and impact of the social determinants of health, and the drivers that will advance health equity for special populations. You will hear about best practices for advocacy, model programs and integrated care models, services that address health inequity for special populations, and policy issues that have led to systemic healthcare challenges for these groups and what equitable solutions could look like.
We hope you will join us for this dynamic discussion to learn what service providers, policymakers, government agencies, families, and advocates can do to be part of the solution that ensures health equity for these special populations.
Panelists Include:
- Karen Coleman, President and CEO, Tabor Children’s Services: Karen is the President and CEO of Tabor Children’s Services, a nonprofit family of organizations that provides critical social support services to children, youth, and families which operates programs in three counties in the Greater Philadelphia area. Karen has executive experience in organizational, policy, business development, strategic planning, and fiscal management and in implementing healthcare and child welfare services. Karen provides strategic oversight for Tabor’s service lines, growth, and vision. Observing that medical compliance is a significant opportunity in child welfare, Karen appointed a team at Tabor to prioritize mental and physical medical concerns for children, youth, and families. Her medical model is currently being evaluated as a possible prototype for other family services organizations in Philadelphia.
- David Fair, Deputy CEO, Turning Points for Children: David has over 40 years of experience working with marginalized populations, including children with mental health challenges, children in foster care, people with AIDS and homeless people, and others. He has held several positions in government and in the nonprofit sector, and currently is Deputy CEO for Turning Points for Children, the region’s largest child welfare agency.
- Sailaja Musunuri, MD, Chief of Psychiatry and Executive Vice President of Integrated Medicine, Woods Services: Dr. Musunuri, Executive Vice President of Integrated Medicine and Chief of Psychiatry, Woods Services, Inc., leads and oversees integrative health care both at Woods and across its system of care in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and brings over 20 years’ experience working with individuals with IDD. Her responsibilities include oversight of psychiatric services, creating new and innovative programs and services, bolstering current clinical models and modalities, and ensuring compliance and programmatic integrity. Prior to her coming on board at Woods, Sailaja served as Medical Director at Devereux, and consulted with several special education schools, residential treatment programs and operated her own outpatient practice. Sailaja is Board Certified in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
- Tim Ward, Director of Advocacy and Government Relations, Pennsylvania Health Care Association: Tim has served as the Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association since February 2021 where he leads and coordinates the association’s lobbying and legislative activity in Harrisburg and Washington. DC. He works with legislators and staff, executive branch officials, and other industry leaders to advance positive public policy initiatives that support Pennsylvania’s long-term care sector. Prior to joining PHCA, Tim served as the Vice President of Government Relations for a Philadelphia-based lobbying firm, where he focused on healthcare and labor policy, along with economic development projects. He also served as Chief of Staff for a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and campaign manager for state House and Senate candidates. Tim graduated from Temple University in May 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
- Cory Storch, President and CEO, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services: Cory has been with Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services since 1977, serving in various roles, currently as President and CEO. Under his leadership, Bridgeway has grown from a small, primarily vocational service organization in Union County, NJ, to a leading behavioral healthcare provider serving more than 8,000 people annually across northern New Jersey. Bridgeway provides integrated care and screening woven throughout evidence-based mental health service lines. Recently, Bridgeway opened the doors on its first CCBHC location. Cory is a co-founder of the Supportive Housing Association of NJ and is a graduate of the University of Arizona’s Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling program.
- Emma Nolan, MPH, Manager of Government Relations and Health Initiatives, The Arc of Pennsylvania: Emma is the Manager of Government Relations and Health Initiatives at The Arc of Pennsylvania, where she advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides legislative updates on key issues pertaining to disability specific policies and practices. Ms. Nolan graduated from Pennsylvania State University with Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health and minor in Rehabilitation and Human Services. She continued her education at The Penn State College of Medicine to receive a Master’s of Public Health with a focus in Health Systems Organization and Policy.
