A Safe Haven Foundation is Proud to Announce the Appointment of President CoFounder Neli Vazquez Rowland to the Institute of Medicine Chicago

June 27^th, 2019 – The Board of Governors for the Institute of Medicine Chicago (IOMC) has appointed the 2018 Healthcare Innovation Honoree and Co-Founder of A Safe Haven Foundation, Neli Vazquez Rowland as a Fellow to one of Chicago’s oldest and most distinguished societies at their Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Neli, will be joining the new incoming IOMC President Mark Grach and some of Chicago’s most richly diverse group of healthcare professionals, with varying experiences, education and achievements, who all have the same vision to make a positive change in health care. The inclusion of Neli Vazquez Rowland, on the Board marks a new era where upon the traditional healthcare industry is now expanding its delivery system to build bridges with State licensed community based behavioral healthcare delivery systems.  This convergence is crucial and revolutionary to creating a more comprehensive, integrated and seamless continuum of care to address both the healthcare needs of the patient and to create a warm handoff to address the underlying social determinants of health that are impacting so many of the most vulnerable populations of society.

As a “Fellow,” Neli will have the opportunity to serve on committees and interest groups that define the Institutes’ activities in service of their vision and commitment to address critical health and behavioral healthcare issues and contribute to the conversations in ways that include the economic and housing needs of the most high risk populations.

The IOMC annual meeting featured speakers such as John Auerbach, President and CEO of the Trust America Health Policy group from DC who gave an in depth presentation on the importance of “Promoting health and Cost Control in States” by addressing all of the social determinants of health. He shared a presentation illustrating a real life story of a woman with children in crisis affected by physical, mental health issues, poverty, and unemployment and housing instability. He emphasized the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to her overall health and wellbeing.  The United States Surgeon

General office spoke on the topic of “Community Health and Economic Prosperity” an initiative from the office of the Surgeon General that takes into account the role of public and private partnerships to promote the health, social, economic and housing well-being of all Americans.

“On behalf of all of us at A Safe Haven it is an honor to serve and be a part of this prestigious society of thought leaders and influencers, including special thanks to IOMC and ASHF Board Member Michael Favia who nominated me to intersect and leverage our respective talents and expertise to continuing our respective and collective unrelenting commitment in providing health care and social services and access to the most innovative and holistic services that can stabilize individuals and families for generations to come!” Neli Vazquez Rowland, President and Co-Founder of A Safe Haven Foundation  ABOUT IOMC

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago is an independent organization of distinguished leaders in the health field who collaborate to improve the health of the public. Drawing upon the expertise of a diverse membership and other regional leaders, the IOMC addresses critical health issues through a range of interdisciplinary approaches including education, research, communication of trusted information, and community engagement.  www.IOMC.org