Dr. Richard L. Snyder, EVP, Facilitated Health Networks at Independence Blue Cross, was recently honored by the Greater Philadelphia American Heart Association (AHA) with the 2023 Heart of Philadelphia award at the annual Heart Ball on April 21. Dr. Snyder was recognized for his commitment to creating more awareness about heart disease and his tireless passion for increasing training for Hands-only CPR and access to Automated External Defibrillators.
“Dr. Snyder is an inspiring and longstanding volunteer and champion for the American Heart Association’s mission, and we are so grateful for his leadership, expertise, and support. We are proud to honor him as our 2023 Heart of Philadelphia Honoree,” says Jennifer Litchman-Green, Senior Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia American Heart Association.
In a video, Dr Snyder was praised by prominent regional health care leaders for his vision, and dedication to improving the health and well-being of our community:
- “Rich has been a real champion for work around CPR, and making sure people get access to training,” said Gregory E. Deavens, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. “He recognizes the more people we can train in CPR, the more lives we can save.”
- “The theme throughout my conversations with Rich is that he was always ahead of everyone. We all watched in horror when Damar Hamlin went down in the Buffalo game. Rich had been talking about that years before,” said Kevin Mahoney, CEO of Penn Medicine. “We were proud to have the second CPR kiosk in Philadelphia installed in our Perelman Center. I see people practicing each time I’m there. And not just health care professionals, but visitors and patients. Philadelphia will be trained and ready to go because of Rich’s innovation and leadership.”
- “The Blue Cross team and Rich as one of its key leaders are absolutely focused on making sure that their beneficiaries get safe, high quality, equitable care,” said Jack Lynch III, FACHE, president and CEO of Main Line Heath. “Rich has a lot of integrity. He is passionate, fair, respectful, and cares a lot about people.”
The AHA also recognized Dr. Paul Mather with Penn Medicine as the recipient of the 2023 Edward S. Cooper M.D. Award.
Dr. Snyder was also recognized earlier this year by the AHA with the Eastern States Region Leadership Legacy Award.