Astrue Receives Award
A Social Security
press release:
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, received a 2013
VIDA Award from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the
Alliance), a science-based source of information and trusted advocate
for the health of Hispanics in the United States. The national award
honors leaders that exemplify the VIDA credo of Vision, Innovation,
Dedication, and Advocacy.
"Commissioner Astrue's commitment to all communities has
defined his life. He is a man of principle and values that we respect
and honor," said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the
Alliance.
The VIDA National Hispanic Health Leadership Award is
presented by the Alliance to recognize exceptional leaders for their
work to secure the best health outcomes for all. Under his leadership,
Social Security has reduced the average length of time applicants wait
to receive a decision on their claim for Social Security disability
benefits. Key components to this reduction were his development and
expansion of initiatives such as Compassionate Allowances and Quick
Disability Determinations. This two-part, fast-track system makes
disability decisions in days instead of months or years and provides
benefits quickly to applicants with the most severe disabilities. In
the last two years, nearly 300,000 people have been awarded disability
benefits under these innovative initiatives.
Commissioner Astrue received the award at the Alliance’s
40th Anniversary celebration, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
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