Health Equity and SDOH: Leveraging Data and Measures

R.J. leads the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) team for CVS Health, scaling SDoH Strategy across the CVS Health Enterprise for all lines of CVS and Aetna Businesses in support of the company’s “Destination: Health” platform to focus on community health and address social determinant gaps. Prior to this role, R.J. led Medicaid Business Development for Aetna’s East Region, leading teams in all stages of proposal response for multi-year, Medicaid-managed care contracts. He joined Aetna in 2016, bringing more than 10 years of experience in healthcare services for government programs as well as large-scale management of political campaigns. Prior to joining Aetna, R.J. served as director of Medicaid and Duals Operations in multiple states for Anthem Inc. Prior to working in healthcare, R.J. worked for the Georgia House of Representatives, and spent 10 years with Delta Air Lines in various operational roles. He holds a BS in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Over the last five years at Evolent, Katie has focused on Medicaid health plan operations ensuring members have access to the highest quality care. She started her career in healthcare working in non-profit hospital management consulting addressing issues of access to care and patient financial advocacy. Katie later joined the Peace Corps to combine her interests in international health, travel, and community development and served two years in Armenia. Throughout her career, she’s worked on a variety of healthcare initiatives including housing impacts on health, the financial infrastructure of domestic violence centers, access to healthy food, and population health analytics. Katie holds a Master’s degree in Health Policy & Management from Harvard’s School of Public Health.

Amy designs strategies that address the Social Determinants of Health specifically focused on innovative and sustainable approaches to integrating health and housing. She is focused on building collaborative partnerships to address affordable housing through development, financing, and policy with an emphasis on improved health outcomes. She initiated and led the deployment of $50M strategic investments in affordable housing across multiple states with more than a dozen CDFIs. She oversees CareSource’s role as a strategic leader, funder, and implementation partner in Healthy Beginnings at Home, a nationally recognized research study looking at the relationship between housing stability and healthy birth outcomes. Previously she was the Director of JobConnect Ohio at CareSource, leading the effort to assist Medicaid members in removing barriers to high-quality employment opportunities.

Prior to joining CareSource, Amy worked as a community developer with nonprofits and government agencies. She provided policy leadership and designed programs in the areas of housing development, asset-based community development, community engagement, education, and homelessness. She serves on numerous Boards within Ohio and nationally that are focused on poverty elimination, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization.

In his time with Nationwide Children’s, Nick has overseen significant program growth addressing health equity and social determinants of health issues through affordable housing, employment, education, safety, and wellness interventions. Prior to his role at Nationwide Children’s, Nick served as Chief Operating Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus. Nick has over 13 years of professional experience in social services and healthcare administration. Nick is married with one child. He holds a J.D. and MBA

Merrill leads the execution and advocacy strategy for Anthem.  She works collaboratively with consumers, advocates and stakeholders to ensure diverse interests and preferences of various communities e.g., disability, aging, LGBTQA+, and Foster Care inform Anthem’s health benefits approaches and healthcare programs. Ms. Friedman advances the integration of the independent living philosophy and the National Advisory Board (NAB) on Improving Healthcare Services for Older Adults and People with Disabilities six foundational principles throughout programs, individual interactions, and business practices. In addition, she leads strategic partnerships with national and local organizations to advance the development of inclusive public policy relating to healthcare equity and access.

Merrill is a nationally recognized leader in Medicaid, long-term services and supports, and health services that reflect the needs and interests of older adults, people with disabilities, and children and adolescents. She has served on numerous national boards and commissions.  She was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.  Currently, Merrill serves on the board of directors for Family Voices and the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and is a member of the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) and the NASUAD MLTSS Institute Advisory Board.