We’re looking for people who are initiating and leading transformation,” was the opening sentence from a search that began months ago for the 2020 class of Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Innovators.
The conclusion this week: “On behalf of our publisher, Fawn Lopez, and the entire staff at Modern Healthcare, we are pleased to announce that Deb Logan, Executive Director, Blue Zones Project by Sharecare, has been named to the 2020 class of Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Innovators. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors individuals who championed scalable solutions that are being used to reshape the industry in big and small ways.”
Among the selection characteristics is the use of both innovation and metrics for population health, contributing to the clinical and financial goals of a winner’s health organization.
Deb Logan’s success exemplifies Modern Healthcare’s admirable attributes. Deb led NCH Healthcare System’s initiative from the beginning—over five years ago—to help Southwest Florida’s culturally and economically diverse population (almost a half-million folks) live longer, happier, and healthier lives. The project introduced a new model to better address health and well-being for 700+ organizations including worksites, schools, restaurants, homeowner associations, and faith-based institutions. Ms. Logan and her competent, altruistic, self-motivated team impacted a region, larger than Delaware, where people live, play, and work.
Per Gallup, the well-being of Southwest Florida skyrocketed nationwide: from 73rd in 2011 to the healthiest community for the past four years, with the longest life expectancy. Cardiac mortality also dropped 8.1% over five years to the lowest in Florida. Boston University’s analysis of the Community Well-Being Index for every zip code showed medical and productivity savings of $40,313,800 over the past four years. Community-wide polling by Boston University revealed that the project is currently touching approximately 225,000 lives across the socio-economic spectrum in Southwest Florida.
Ms. Logan and her team have had numerous successes, never previously achieved. For example, under her guidance, champions in twenty-five schools are providing healthier opportunities by helping youths build friendships via incorporating buddy benches, gardens, purpose workshops, legacy projects, and extracurricular activities. Elementary students added an average of 2.5 hours per week of physical activity before, during, and after school. Collier County is the only one of 67 counties in Florida where adolescent obesity rates declined in both middle and high schools.
Deb’s response to the recognition showed her characteristic modesty: “If you know me, you know I am actually a bit embarrassed to be singled out for recognition. This is absolutely a ‘We’ award. Blue Zones Project—SWFL’s meaningful work and impact would not be possible without the generous and visionary leadership of NCH Healthcare System. So, this award belongs to NCH, our local and central teams at Sharecare, and our many community partners who say ‘yes’ to well-being. As a healthcare system, NCH has taken bold and admirable steps to be part of the solution and lead the healthcare industry. Our community members recognize that NCH wants to keep them well! With my sincerest gratitude to you for allowing me the privilege to serve as your Blue Zones Project—SWFL Executive Director.”
Ms. Logan’s leadership and determination have been vital to the success of the Blue Zones Project—a community-based, multi-organizational, public-private, inclusive collaboration.
Congratulations Deb, well deserved!
