LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Patricia Wang upon the occasion of her
designation by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush as the
recipient of the Guardian of Health Award at its 30th Anniversary Commu-
nity Legislative Breakfast on March 15, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious individuals of the State of New York whose
purposeful endeavors serve to enhance the quality of life in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Patricia Wang upon the occasion of her designation for special
honor by the Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) of Flatbush as the
recipient of its 2009 Shomer, or Guardian of Health Award; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Wang, President and Chief Executive Officer, will
accept the award on behalf of the Healthfirst health plan at the Coun-
cil's 30th Anniversary Community Legislative Breakfast, to be held at
The Kings Terrace in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday, March 15, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Since 1979, the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush
has coordinated the efforts of all parts of the Jewish community,
including educational, healthcare, religious, social welfare and other
organizations and institutions, and has acted as an advocate for the
communal and individual needs of the entire, increasingly diverse,
Southern Brooklyn community; and
WHEREAS, Its 30th Anniversary Community Legislative Breakfast provides
an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have supported the Council
and have helped to further its efforts, as well as those who exemplify
its mission of improving the quality of life of the citizens it serves;
and
WHEREAS, Led by Patricia Wang since March 2008 and one of the fastest
growing health plans, Healthfirst was established in 1993 to provide
affordable, quality care for the communities it serves and to improve
the effectiveness of healthcare delivery by partnering with providers
and reinvesting in its member hospitals; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Wang brought extensive experience in New York's
healthcare system to Healthfirst, having served for more than 16 years
as Senior Vice President of the Greater New York Hospital Association
(GNYHA), a 300 member trade association representing hospitals and
continuing care facilities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and
Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, At GNYHA, Patricia Wang was responsible for health finance
and managed care policy and advocacy at the local, state and national
levels, and was instrumental in the formation of Healthfirst as a new
model for hospital-sponsored managed care; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Wang earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton
University and Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from New York University
School of Law and, prior to joining GNYHA, worked as an attorney
specializing in legislative, regulatory, and litigation matters affect-
ing hospitals serving low-income and uninsured populations; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and
commend them for the edification and emulation of others; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Patricia Wang upon the occasion of her designation as the recipi-
ent of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush's Guardian of

Health Award at its 30th Anniversary Community Legislative Breakfast on
March 15, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Patricia Wang.