New Leadership for North Coast Health

Gina Gavlak

After serving North Coast Health since its inception - first as volunteer, then Head Nurse and eventually Executive Director for the past 20 years, Lee Elmore has retired from her post.  Under Lee’s guidance, North Coast Health has transformed the access and provision of care to thousands of individuals and families in western greater Cleveland, and has been recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, level 3, by the National Committee on Quality Assurance.

It is with great confidence and excitement that North Coast Health welcomes Gina Gavlak as President and CEO of North Coast Health, effective January 1, 2016.

Gina brings 25 years of experience, dedication and the desire to improve access to affordable health care, eliminate health disparities, improve health outcomes and change the trajectory of chronic disease.  Gina also has an extensive fundraising, program development and advocacy background. 

Gina currently serves as Chair of the National Advocacy Committee of the American Diabetes Association.   Over the past nine years, she was active in the creation, and promotion of the Diabetes and Endocrine Center at Lakewood Hospital, including the development of the Diabetes Assistance Initiative which has provided over $1.2 million in financial assistance to people who lacked the resources to afford their diabetes care. While at the Center, Gina collaborated with North Coast Health and volunteered her time to meet individually with our patients living with diabetes.

In addition, Gina’s experience as an emergency department nurse at MetroHealth Medical Center has allowed her to see firsthand, and develop a deeper understanding of, the challenges and the needs of the underserved and the impact on the individual and our communities.

The mission of North Coast Health will not change as we enter our 30th year of providing health care and hope to the medically underserved in our community.  We will go forth each day to “stand in the gaps” in the nation’s health care system and provide top-quality, compassionate care to those who seek it.

 

Elizabeth O'Brien

Elizabeth O'Brien is North Coast Health Business & Events Director.

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Volume 3, Issue 7, Posted 6:26 PM, 01.07.2016