PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those most in need, was recently recognized as the Regional Corporation of the Year by the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), an honor that placed a spotlight on AmeriHealth Caritas’ commitment to and innovation around engaging diverse businesses. The award was presented to AmeriHealth Caritas leadership during the EMSDC’s Choice Awards Gala, which took place on Friday, November 22 at Vie in Philadelphia.
Additionally, AmeriHealth Caritas Director of Supplier Diversity Ron Baldwin was also recognized for his exemplary work and presented with the 2019 President’s Award, which is given annually to a business or government leader who demonstrates a passion for economic justice and minority business development.
“Supporting small and diverse businesses is just one piece of our company-wide commitment to addressing the social determinants that impact the health of the communities where our members live and work,” said Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer Chad Goodwin. “I’m very proud of the work we do as a company and very fortunate that, as we strive to carry out this mission, I am able to have someone like Ron helping to drive the change that is needed to create innovative approaches to developing and promoting supplier diversity.”
Since 2013, AmeriHealth Caritas has increased procurement from minority-owned businesses by more than 87 percent. In 2017 alone, this represented a $26 million investment in local businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans and people with disabilities. The company established a Supplier Diversity program more than ten years ago, and has developed a Mentor Protégé Program to help provide small, minority- and women-owned businesses with tools and training to aid growth.
“The small businesses we work with are drivers of positive social change. They contribute directly to the vibrancy and well-being of their neighborhoods,” Baldwin said. “We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our work with suppliers and we want our contracting partners to reflect the diversity of our company and our members.”
These latest honors come on the heels of other recognitions for supplier diversity work. Earlier this month, AmeriHealth Caritas was named a recipient of the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Outstanding Diversity and Inclusion Program Award. In April, members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, including State Representative Stephen Kinsey (201st District), State Representative Margo Davidson (164th District), and State Representative Movita John-Harrell (190th District), presented a citation to the company for its work with small and minority-owned businesses, as well as its longstanding commitment to bringing quality healthcare to those most in need.
About AmeriHealth Caritas
AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 12 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves approximately 5.1 million Medicaid, Medicare and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, behavioral health services, and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 35 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.
