Allegheny Health Network Center for Inclusion Health named one of the nation’s ‘Top Innovators’ by Modern Healthcare

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Center for Inclusion Health, one of the nation’s first comprehensive programs focused on meeting the health care needs of underserved patients and marginalized populations, has been recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of the nation’s top health “Innovators” for 2024.

Additionally, Highmark Health’s Onyinyechi Daniel, PhD, Vice President of Data and Analytics Strategy and Partnerships, was named an individual Innovator by the magazine. Dr. Daniel was honored for establishing the organization’s responsible artificial intelligence (AI) framework and governance program, which enables the secure deployment of AI and generative AI capabilities.

Modern Healthcare’s “Top Innovators” recognizes individual industry leaders and organizations that drive innovation and pioneer solutions that improve care, achieve measurable results and contribute to the clinical and financial goals of the organization.

Profiles of this year’s “Top Innovator” honorees are featured in the April 2024 issue of Modern Healthcare magazine and online at ModernHealthcare.com/Innovator-Awards.

“The role of innovation has always been paramount in health care, and our 2024 honorees as top Innovators are driving real change in the industry,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “The wide variety of projects underway by these executives and organizations demonstrates a dedication to tackling the ‘what ifs’ that can improve the delivery of health care and improve communities and the patient experience.”

Founded in 2014, the AHN Center for Inclusion Health (CIH) aims to transform health care through the development of innovative clinical care models, advocacy, training and research to better serve all people, including those experiencing social and health exclusion. CIH’s many unique programs are rooted in a harm-reduction model and are designed to meet people where they are both physically and emotionally. The center provides low-barrier services in traditional and non-traditional settings, including in medical clinics, on the street, in the jail, on mobile units and via telehealth. CIH offerings include programs that address health issues related to addiction, food insecurity, HIV/AIDS, homelessness, gender diversity, incarceration, intimate partner violence, transgender health, and immigrant and refugee health. In 2023, CIH provided services to 4,500 unique individuals.

One important component of the CIH care model is multidisciplinary care teams, including professionals with lived experience who are apt to building strong connections with those they serve. Another is its community partnerships which aid significantly in connecting individuals with needed social services and other resources. To name a few, CIH partners with Prevention Point Pittsburgh to provide low-barrier access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD); local domestic violence organizations to connect patients with domestic violence professionals within the medical setting; the Allegheny County Jail to provide immediate linkage to health and supportive services when individuals are released from incarceration; Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) to connect pet owners with needed care services; City of Pittsburgh and multiple other providers to meet the needs for people experiencing homelessness; and many others. 

"We are so honored to be recognized by Modern Healthcare, alongside many other very well-deserving leaders and organizations. It is a testament to the commitment of our providers and staff to providing whole-person care, which includes meeting people where they are by reimagining how and where health care can be delivered, and addressing social barriers which commonly prevent individuals from accessing care and otherwise living healthy, fruitful lives,” said Liz Cuevas, MD, division director, AHN Center for Inclusion Health. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel’s key role in building a strong AI governance program has enabled acceleration and deployment of generative AI use cases at Highmark Health.

AI algorithms, and especially large language models such as those used in generative AI, have the potential to transform the health care industry, freeing up clinical personnel from administrative tasks and enabling health professionals to focus on higher-value, top-of-license care. AI also has the potential make it easier for policyholders and patients to engage in their health, by increasing access to information and personalizing more content.  

But strategic leaders such as Dr. Daniel must frame that potential within appropriate guardrails, ensuring that the use of AI in health care is safe, secure, ethically appropriate and minimizes or eliminates adverse bias. That’s especially important when developing AI in care delivery.  

Of implemented use cases to date, Highmark Health has already experienced increased efficiency around code generation/optimization, document consolidation, and content creation.  

“Dr. Daniel has been instrumental in shaping our data ethics and AI strategy, which will fuel our digital transformation,” said Richard Clarke, Chief Analytics Officer at Highmark Health. “We’re thrilled that she’s been named one of the industry’s top Innovators by Modern Healthcare, and we’re proud of the work she does every day.” 

Dr. Daniel holds master’s degrees in Medical Humanities and Bioethics (Northwestern University) and Health Policy & Administration (University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health). She also holds a PhD in Health Policy and Administration, with a focus on public health informatics, and Health Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, where she is also an adjunct instructor.

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