Austen BioInnovation's Janosky is White House "Champion of Change" for Prevention and Public Health Impact, Accountable Care Community Leadership

ABIA-led Accountable Care Community project focused on creating national model to improve health of the entire community by enhancing care, lowering medical costs, increasing access and reducing disease

Janosky recognized for work in community health transformation, including leading a diverse group involved in health promotion and disease prevention 

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Janine E. Janosky, who heads the Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron's (ABIA) Accountable Care Community initiative, was honored by the White House today as part of a select group of "Champions of Change" in the field of prevention and public health.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130910/DC77472)

As part of Tuesday's program, the eight community champions participated in a discussion, with leaders from President Barack Obama's administration, on innovative efforts in American communities for an increased focus on prevention, addressing chronic disease, promoting healthy choices and empowering all citizens to improve health. The "Champions of Change" program, initiated by President Obama, recognizes people "leading extraordinary work in their communities that will have lasting effects on the health of Americans," according to the White House.

Dr. Howard K. Koh, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health, congratulated the honorees for the work each was doing with talented teams to "change the world, one community, one person at a time." Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama, opened the event by stating that those working in the public health sector are driving needed change in American communities.

Those honored at The White House Tuesday were selected from more than 900 people nominated for work done to strengthen health in American communities. Dr. Jeff Levi, Trust for America's Health Executive Director, nominated Janosky.

"It is great to see the work being done to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities recognized in such a prominent way," said Dr. Frank L. Douglas, ABIA President and CEO. "Dr. Janosky and the distinctive group working on the Accountable Care Community program have become a national voice on prevention and public health issues. This work exemplifies our efforts to bring innovative minds together and put the patients at the center of everything we do."

The ABIA-led Accountable Care Community (ACC) initiative, which Douglas introduced in 2011, is an integrated, multi-institutional approach to sharing responsibility for the health of the Summit County, Ohio, community. The ACC, comprised of a wide-ranging group of more than 70 public and private organizations, takes an "all-hands-on-deck" approach to health promotion and disease prevention, access to services and care, and healthcare delivery.  It has received support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through a multi-year Community Transformation Grant. 

The goal of the ACC is to create a sustainable health model for Summit County that can then be adapted and delivered in other U.S. communities.

"This is a great honor for not only me but for all members of our coalition that are committed and are collaborating for the health of our community," said Janosky. "We are leading an innovative coalition comprised of healthcare providers, community health, prevention and public health professionals, academicians, social service specialists, civic leaders and others to strengthen our communities. Prominent recognition like this is an unparalleled opportunity to raise awareness of the valuable work being done in Summit County and Ohio.

"I am grateful to the Trust for America's Health for nominating me and to the CDC and the Austen BioInnovation partnership for supporting our work."

Leaders in health professions, according to Janosky, have realized that improving the nation's health involves a focus upon prevention and health promotion, in addition to access to care, services and healthcare delivery. Partnerships with diverse groups can address costs, quality and health outcomes, and the care experience impacting an individual's health, such as the one being led by Austen BioInnovation.

To learn more about the Accountable Care Community, visit www.abiakron.org/acc.

About Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron
The Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron (ABIA) – an exceptional collaboration of Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, FirstEnergy, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Summa Health System, and The University of Akron – brings innovative minds together to create economic and personal vitality by inspiring patient-centered discovery and invention. The ABIA partnership accelerates the time from idea to commercialization of new technologies and solutions by bringing together world-class scientists, physicians, engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs in the biomedical product and polymer science industries. ABIA works to secure Ohio's economic future through its patient-centered product innovation, cutting edge workforce training and inclusionary approach to community health improvement. For more information about ABIA, please visit www.abiakron.org.

Media Contact: Scott Rainone, srainone@abiakron.org, 330-572-7581

SOURCE Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron