GHP Celebrates 25 Years, Unveils Health Care Hall of Fame

Genesee Health Plan Celebrates 25 Years, Unveils Hall of Fame to Honor People Who Built and Sustained the Program

State Sen. John Cherry, community leaders mark 25 years of health care coverage for Genesee County residents

FLINT – Genesee Health Plan (GHP) celebrated its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with a ribbon-cutting and tribute program at its offices, honoring the people who built and sustained the program.

State Sen. John Cherry presented a special tribute to GHP, and speakers reflected on the program’s past, present and future.

“Genesee Health Plan is one of the best examples of what can happen when a community comes together to solve a challenge,” said Sen. Cherry. “For 25 years, GHP has helped ensure that our friends, neighbors, and families can access quality, affordable health care when they need it most. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone and the people whose commitment has made such a lasting difference in Genesee County.”

Andrew Younger, CTA, executive director of the Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce and GHP board member, said GHP supports the local economy.

“For small business owners who struggle to offer health benefits as part of their compensation package, Genesee Health Plan is a resource for their employees,” Younger said.

Linda Hamacher, GHP president emeritus, board member, and founder of Genesee Health Plan, spoke about how the program began, how it remained sustainable through the health care services millage, and the purpose of the Health Care Hall of Fame.

“Genesee Health Plan began in the early 2000s as Genesee County’s low-income working population grew to an estimated 60,000,” Hamacher said. “Over the past 25 years, Genesee Health Plan has provided care to one in four Genesee County residents. I’m so proud of how our community has come together to make sure our friends and neighbors have access to the care they need.”

Hamacher introduced Hall of Fame inductees in attendance, who each shared brief remarks: Deb Cherry, Dr. Raymond Gist, Joe Leonard and E. Yvonne Lewis. The program also honored two inductees who have since passed away, Pete Levine (honored in 2019) and Jack Litzenberg (honored in 2012).

James Gaskin, CEO of United Way of Genesee County, spoke about why GHP matters in the community today.

“GHP helps bridge the gap to having health care for our most vulnerable communities at a time when so many changes are impacting health systems,” Gaskin said.

Jim Milanowski, GHP president and CEO, closed the program with remarks on the future of the organization.

“The people we honored today built Genesee Health Plan on a simple belief: working people in our community deserve access to basic health care. That belief still guides us. Our focus for the years ahead is the same as it was on day one: making care simple and affordable for the people who need it and working alongside our partners to keep Genesee County healthy,” said Milanowski.