The Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) recently presented the eighth annual Stanley J. Brasher Community Health Gratitude Award to John Santistevan, CEO of Salud Family Health Centers in Colorado, at CCHN’s Policy and Issues Forum.
“John has instilled the importance of advocacy and close relationships with policymakers in Salud staff, and as a result has cultivated a well-informed and deeply involved group of health care provider advocates.”
Annette Kowal, CEO and President of CCHN
This award was named in honor of Jerry Brasher, former CEO of Salud Family Health Centers and one of CCHN’s founders. It is given to a CHC executive who has been working at a CHC for ten or more years, has maintained excellent relationships with his or her state and national legislators, and has done something extraordinary as it relates to CCHN’s priorities during their career.
“John deeply understands the importance of advocacy and building relationships with elected officials,” said Annette Kowal, CEO and President of CCHN. “He goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to reaching out to his elected officials, ensuring they understand what is important to or what is at stake for Salud, their patients, and all Colorado CHCs. John has formed personal relationships with just about all of his Members of Congress and is always ready and willing to be a key contact to one or more policymakers – able to pick up the phone or send a quick text or email about an important issue when asked.”
The Stanley J. Brasher Community Health Gratitude Award was created and named in honor of Jerry Brasher, former CEO of Salud Family Health Centers and one of CCHN’s founders. The award is given to a Community Health Center (CHC) executive who has been working at a CHC for ten or more years, has maintained excellent relationships with his or her state and national legislators, and has done something extraordinary as it relates to CCHN’s priorities during their career.
“John has instilled the importance of advocacy and close relationships with policymakers in Salud staff, and as a result has cultivated a well-informed and deeply involved group of health care provider advocates. John has been recognized for his advocacy before, including receiving the Betsey K. Cooke Grassroots MVP Award from NACHC,” added Kowal.
Salud Family Health Centers operates 13 clinic locations, 11 school sites and a mobile unite across Colorado offering medical, dental, pharmacy and behavioral health care services.
Salud focuses on low-income, medically underserved populations as well as the migrant and seasonal farmworker population. Salud accepts Medicaid, Medicare, CHP+, and most private insurance plans. They offer a sliding fee scale based on family size and income. Insurance enrollment assistance is available.
Since 1970, Salud remains committed to providing care to all community members regardless of finances, insurance coverage, or ability to pay.
For more information on Salud Family Health Centers, saludclinic.org or call 303-MYSALUD (697-2583 or 970-484-0999.
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