Barry Rock, Director of Talent Management at Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan (BMCHP), has been named the sixth recipient of the Making a Difference award from the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP).

In winning the award, Mr. Rock was cited for his long track record of involvement with community-based organizations that support underserved populations in and around Boston.

"Barry understands the inter-relationship among employment, housing, health and financial independence," said Susan Coakley, President, Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan. "He lives and breathes a commitment to supporting employees and advocating for the underserved. His passion and positive attitude have made an impact on not just our organization, but also on those he supports. He's changed the lives of many people in our community for the better."

"In many ways, by helping people with low incomes gain employment, Barry is acting to improve their health-job security and income are social determinants which hold enormous sway over health status," added Margaret A. Murray, ACAP Chief Executive Officer. "The level of commitment to the community represents the essence of Safety Net Health Plans. All of us at ACAP applaud Barry's service to the community."

As part of the Making a Difference award, Deborah Kilstein, Vice President, Quality Management and Operational Support for ACAP, presented Mr. Rock with a check for $500, which he donated to Training, Inc., an affiliated program of the YMCA of Boston. Mr. Rock and Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan are actively involved with the organization.

Anne Meyerson, Executive Director of YMCA Education and Training, accepted the donation at the award ceremony held at BMCHP's Boston offices. "Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan and Barry have been instrumental in developing our curriculum for educating and mentoring program participants," Ms. Meyerson remarked. "By helping us create pathways out of poverty and into meaningful careers in managed care and health insurance, Barry's work transforms the lives of our graduates and their families."

During his six years of service at BMCHP, Mr. Rock has reinforced the idea that the health plan's members are best served by employees who understand member issues and are immersed in the communities BMCHP serves. He has demonstrated his personal commitment through service with several non-profit organizations for as long as 15 years:

YMCA Training, Inc.
Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc.
Best Buddies
Union Park Neighborhood Association

Several clients of these organizations have secured employment at BMCHP as a result of Mr. Rock's involvement. Countless more have earned jobs with employers in and around Boston thanks to Mr. Rock's counseling, resume review, skills assessment and other coaching.

The Making a Difference award recognizes an ACAP-member plan employee whose performance reflects ACAP's mission by improving their community, supporting underserved populations, and fulfilling community needs. A committee of human resources directors from ACAP health plans selected Mr. Rock for this year's award.