News

Health Net Executive Recognized for Vision and Excellence as a Leader in Healthcare

Date: 06/13/24

Martha Santana-Chin, Plan Chief Product President at Health Net, was honored with the distinguished Champion for Health Award on Wednesday, June 12, by the Partners in Care Foundation (Partners). Partners recognized Santana-Chin for her dedication and commitment to improving the lives of California's most at-risk residents.

Partners was founded nearly two decades ago with the mission to address the social drivers of health by integrating social care with healthcare. Today, they collaborate with physician networks, health plans, community-based organizations and government agencies to deliver services in Los Angeles County and the San Fernando Valley, that protect and support adults with complex health and social service's needs.

Santana-Chin was honored alongside Gustavo Valdespino, President and CEO of Valley Presbyterian Hospital who received the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award. This year marks the first year Partners in Care Foundations awards were given to two Latino leaders.

"One of the leadership qualities and perspectives that Martha brings to us at Health Net is a recognition that our members' health is not just about what happens in the doctor's office," said Brian Ternan, President and CEO of Health Net. "That's a critical part. But it's also about what happens when you leave there, what happens at home."

As the eldest of nine and a daughter of Mexican immigrants, Santana-Chin prides herself with understanding first-hand the struggles that low-income communities face. Her personal journey has fueled a passion for advancing equity and mentoring others to persevere and thrive in their life and careers. Learn more about Santana-Chin in this Partners interview.

With over three decades of service in managed care, Santana-Chin has been a transformative leader at Health Net. She has designed and led programs that improved access to quality care for California's most vulnerable residents, advanced health equity in the state's poorest communities and built Health Net's successful local Medi-Cal operational model. Her extensive healthcare leadership experience includes working with independent physician practices, hospitals, federally qualified health centers and health plans, serving Medi-Cal and low-income communities.

"It's quite humbling and an honor that Partners in Care Foundation has chosen to recognize our work," said Santana-Chin. "The Champion for Health Award is re-energizing and an inspiration to double down on our commitment to improve care for our communities."

Martha Santana-Chin honored with the distinguished Champion for Health Award on Wednesday, June 12, by the Partners in Care Foundation