Jack Cradock (center), President of the East Boston Neighborhood
Health Center, was honored by the National Association
of Community Health Centers for his leadership in community
health and advocacy for the medically underserved. Cradock is
with EBNHC CEO Manny Lopes and Board Chair Rita Sorrento.
President of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) Jack Cradock was honored this week in Washington DC by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) for leadership and meritorious service in the Community Health Center Movement.
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, 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 NACHC’s Board Chair Gary Wiltz, MD 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.”
Cradock is a graduate of the Boston College School of Management. Prior to his service at 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.
Under his four decades of leadership EBNHC has been recognized as one of the largest and most innovative health centers in the country. It provides over 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 emergency department is one of only two health center emergency departments in the country and provides treatments ranging from minor surgery to cardiac stabilization.
“NACHC has led our nation’s effort to expand primary health care services to vulnerable populations,” said 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.”
Under 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, and 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.
Additionally, EBNHC has been recognized for its achievements in health information technology and care coordination, and 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.
“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 emergency care department, 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.”