PRESS RELEASE
Top innovators in community-based health care, access to healthy foods, and education speak at community forum
Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal Hosts with support from Independence Blue Cross
What
On Wednesday, February 29, 2012, Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal (PSIJ), the first regional, web-based journal of its kind, will launch its winter edition by bringing together some of Philadelphia’s top social innovators and entrepreneurs to recognize and solve current social concerns. The Journal will provide a forum that brings together the region’s thought leaders — those who have demonstrated an exceptional capacity to recognize social problems and apply entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage high-impact social change locally, regionally, and beyond.
The winter edition is being launched in partnership with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, a newly formed private charitable organization dedicated to transforming the delivery of health care. Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal has partnered with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation as an example of how a corporation or foundation, through innovative and responsible investing, can bring about meaningful and lasting change.
“The Philadelphia region leads in creating cutting-edge social innovations, many of which go unnoticed,” stated Nicholas Torres, co-publisher of the Journal. “Many of our region’s organizations and their leaders receive regional, state, national, and in some cases international recognition; yet, there is very little opportunity for these agencies to publish their own social innovations, share best practices, or lessons learned. Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal presents that opportunity.”
“Leaders of social innovations spend most of their time doing and less time publishing, and Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal serves to shine a light on these innovators,” added Journal co-publisher Tine Hansen-Turton.
“The IBC Foundation is focusing the investment of our resources not only on improving the health and wellness of our community, but also on producing measurable results,” stated Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the IBC Foundation.“We believe that transforming health care in our region is imperative, and that through forward-thinking individuals and strong partnerships with organizations like the Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal, we can make it happen.”
Who
Regional innovative thought leaders in health, education, criminal justice, child welfare innovative solutions that will impact Philadelphia communities. Speakers include:
- Dr. Patricia Gerrity, 11th Street Family Health Services of Drexel University
- Tine Hansen-Turton and Nicholas Torres, Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal
- Ann Karlen, Sustainable Local Food, Fairfood
- Dr. Lee Nunery, Special Advisor to the School Reform Commission
- Paul A. Tufano, ESQ., Executive Vice President, General Counsel and President Government Markets, Independence Blue Cross
- Seth Williams, District Attorney, City of Philadelphia
- Dr. George Wohlreich, College of Physicians of Philadelphia
When
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where
College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Second floor
19 S. 22nd St.
Philadelphia, PA
About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Launched in October 2011, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation is an independent, private foundation whose mission is to transform health care through innovation in the communities it serves. The foundation complements and expands upon Independence Blue Cross’s 73-year commitment to improving the health and wellness of the people of southeastern Pennsylvania. The foundation targets the following areas of impact:
- Caring for our most vulnerable: supporting nonprofit health clinics that deliver quality, cost-effective care to uninsured and underinsured people.
- Enhancing health care delivery: strengthening the nursing workforce through education, career development and research.
- Leading innovative approaches to health care: supporting new and creative solutions that reduce health care spending, improve quality, and expand access to care.
About Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal
Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal founders have partnered with local funders and investors such as Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Wells Fargo, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, The Philadelphia Foundation, Patricia Kind Foundation, Barra Foundation, Greentree Community Health Foundation, Independence Foundation, The Thomas Scattergood Foundation, and St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children, who make up part of its Editorial Board. University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Fels Institute of Government, and School of Social Policy and Practice have partnered with the Journal and are committed to providing master’s-level students to serve as volunteer writers.
Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal is published quarterly at www.philasocialinnovations.org.