Supporting the Safety Net Award
ACAP-member Safety Net Health Plans strive to improve the health of people with low incomes through the delivery of high-quality, coordinated care and innovative programs.
For the past eighteen years, ACAP has presented its annual Supporting the Safety Net award to a community-based organization or individual whose work exceeds the norm and in developing and implementing innovative practices to meet the medical, behavioral, or social needs of high-risk people in its service population. The award recipients’ services are recognized as best practices that stand as a model for replication in the safety net environment.
Following are stories highlighting the tremendous work of each Supporting the Safety Net award winner since the award’s inauguration in 2006. Each of these programs embody ACAP’s mission by meeting pressing needs in their communities and serving as models for other organizations who share in the work of supporting the safety net. For more information, contact Hannah Lascano at hlascano@communityplans.net.
2024 Honoree: UEmpower of Maryland’s The Food Project
Based in West Baltimore, The Food Project is a transformative force, going beyond food insecurity to empower the community through career development. With a holistic approach, they offer free educational programs in cooking, gardening, and food safety, equipping youth not only with the skills to grow and cook food but also with the foundation for careers in the food service industry. By addressing the root causes of food insecurity, including the critical link between transportation and hunger, The Food Project works to create lasting change.
In 2023, The Food Project distributed over 300,000 pounds of food through its pop-up markets, MEGA Food Giveaways, and meal delivery program, making a real impact in Southwest Baltimore. Their MEGA Food Giveaways alone deliver 24 pallets of food each month, directly supporting the community in their time of need.
2023 Honoree: Kids’ Meals
Kids’ Meals is fighting childhood hunger in the greater Houston area by delivering free, healthy meals to preschool-aged children facing food insecurity. With one free meal per day and twice-weekly grocery deliveries, they support families in need, including all school-aged children during breaks.
In 2022, they served 1.8 million meals to over 6,000 children and delivered 855,000 pounds of groceries. By addressing food insecurity early, Kids’ Meals helps improve children’s mental health, learning, and school performance.
Through a partnership with Texas Children’s Health Plan, they’ve supported over 120 families, with new facilities expanding their reach. Every meal delivered is one less worry for a family, ensuring children can thrive.
2022 Honoree: Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHC), nominated by CenCal Health, provides essential healthcare services to underserved residents in San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties. CHC was recognized for its innovative response to COVID-19, particularly its work with agriculture workers, while also addressing social determinants of health, such as access to nutritious food. Their efforts supported at-risk populations, including the homeless, public housing residents, schoolchildren, and migrant farm workers, setting a model for effective pandemic response.
2021 Honoree: Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center
Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center (PBTRC), based at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, advances telehealth in the Pacific Region through education, training, and strategic planning. Serving 2 million people across a vast area, PBTRC addresses the unique healthcare challenges of rural and underserved populations in Hawaii and the Pacific, including geographic isolation, a shortage of care, and high travel and broadband costs. Co-directed by Christina Higa, PBTRC works to expand healthcare access through telehealth, supporting the development of telehealth networks and serving as a vital resource for the region. It is one of 14 centers supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
2020 Honoree: Shalom Farms
Shalom Farms, a nonprofit 12-acre farm in Midlothian, Virginia, supports underserved communities with food distribution and nutrition programs. Partnering with Virginia Premier, Shalom Farms addresses social determinants of health by providing fresh produce and nutrition education. In 2023, the farm distributed over 527,000 servings of produce and 100,000 lbs annually to hunger-relief organizations. Innovative programs like the Richmond Healthy Corner Store Initiative, Grown to Go Mobile Markets, and the Prescription Produce Plan help low-income communities access healthy food and promote healthy living, especially for families with chronic diseases.
2019 Honoree: Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) provides high-quality medical, dental, and behavioral care to Medicaid beneficiaries and other underserved populations in Santa Barbara. Serving a community with a significant percentage of low-income residents, SBNC conducts over 80,000 visits annually, caring for vulnerable children, families, and homeless adults. Key programs include a partnership with NYU Langone Hospital to address chronic tooth decay in children and a Bridge Clinic for adults with substance use disorder. SBNC also provides a resiliency program for children with adverse childhood experiences. With 63% of patients identifying as Hispanic and a commitment to culturally competent, inclusive care, SBNC ensures all staff are trained to support diverse communities, including the transgender population.
2018 Honoree: Project Destiny
2017 Honoree: The Achievable Foundation
2016 Honoree: Illumination Foundation
2015 Honoree: Moms2B
2014 Honoree: Hennepin Health
2013 Honoree: AmidaCONNECT
2012 Honoree: Harris County Healthcare Alliance
2011 Honoree: North Colorado Health Alliance
2010 Honoree: Health Funders Partnership of Orange County
2009 Honoree: Operation Safety Net
2008 Honoree: Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers
2007 Honoree: Community Partners, Inc. of Amherst, Massachusetts
2006 Honoree: Baby Love and Mary Sandler