BETHESDA, MD– Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, MS, MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan, Inc. (UHP), one of the largest Community Health Center networks in New York State, has become Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). Ms. Hernandez assumed the leadership role during the NACHC 2023 Community Health Institute (CHI) and EXPO in San Diego, CA, a hybrid conference which drew more than 3,000 health center leaders, policy experts, consumers, and corporate partners from around the country.
A trusted thought leader, Ms. Hernandez brings to the NACHC board leadership a nationally recognized record of quality improvement and innovation in health care, a passion for health equity, and a visionary commitment to address the social drivers of health and reduce health disparities among the underserved. Under Ms. Hernandez’s stewardship, UHP, which began as a small medical practice started by her father, the late Dr. Richard Izquierdo in 1962, has expanded from a one-site health center in the South Bronx, to a network of 12 health centers, two mental health facilities and 12 school-based health centers, serving approximately 84,000 patients. UHP established the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School in 2010, creating a pathway to health care careers for middle and high school students.
During her acceptance speech at the NACHC conference, Ms. Hernandez described how the legacy of her father’s achievements inspire her work today:
“Like my father, I believe the heart and soul of public health lies in health equity, helping to identify and close the gaps for those who suffer in ways that address their social conditions,” said Hernandez. “I have no doubt all of you here today share a calling to keep building on the accomplishments of those who came before us. As Board Chair, my goal is to be an accessible and inclusive leader, committed to diversity — not just in people — but in ideas, experiences, and perspectives.”
Hernandez assumes the board leadership role at a pivotal time for the fiscal future of the health center program. Health centers are caring for a record 31.5 million patients. A major portion of funding for the program is set to expire on September 30th unless Congress acts. The urgent need for a funding extension comes as health centers are struggling to protect access to low-cost prescription drugs for patients and rebuild their workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic, while growing numbers of Americans are losing coverage from Medicaid redeterminations.
Hernandez urged health center leaders to continue their appeal to bipartisan Members of Congress. “Every voice and every second counts in delivering the message to decision-makers about the value of our programs — the $24 billion in cost savings we deliver, the jobs we create… the billions delivered in overall economic output and the lives saved,” said Hernandez.
About National Association of Community Health Centers
Established in 1971, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) serves as the leading national voice for America’s Health Centers and as an advocate for health care access for the medically underserved and uninsured.