NYAM’s Ruth Finkelstein Honored by Metropolis Magazine as One of Ten Game Changers in 2012

NYAM, January 31, 2012

Ruth Finkelstein, ScD, Senior Vice President for Policy and Planning at The New York Academy of Medicine has been selected as one of ten “Game Changers” by Metropolis Magazine for her leadership on the Age-friendly NYC initiative, an effort that focuses on creating environments, policies, and programs that will allow older adults in New York City and around the nation and world to live longer, healthier lives and stay fully engaged in their communities.

The January 2012 issue of Metropolis Magazine highlights Dr. Finkelstein’s implementation of the World Health Organization's framework for creating Age-friendly Cities across the globe as well as NYAM’s collaboration with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the New York City Council in helping to transform New York into a city that embraces the health, economic and cultural needs of older adults.

“Finkelstein’s training as an anthropologist has served her well during the more than 2,000 (and counting) community consultations with seniors that are shaping the Age-friendly NYC mission,” according to the article.

While honored by her selection, Dr. Finkelstein said the partnership with the city has made all the difference in the process of moving the initiative forward.

“I'm honored by this personal award but know that it is actually recognition for a grand collaboration between NYAM, older adults committed to their neighborhoods, too many local partners to name, City Council members Viverito and Brewer, and the Mayor's Office,“ Dr. Finkelstein said.

Dr. Finkelstein has more than 30 years experience in health policy, planning, and research, largely focused on improving health for vulnerable populations. She led successful efforts to adopt community rating and other insurance reforms in New York State. One of the architects of the original Ryan White CARE Act, Dr. Finkelstein has authored policy studies that have influenced changes during each reauthorization cycle. In addition to directing the Age-friendly New York City initiative (a joint project with the Mayor’s Office and the City Council), she is the Director of the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre on Aging, Globalization and Urbanization. Dr. Finkelstein holds a doctorate in health policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health.

Other “Game Changers” featured in the article include Vishaan Chakrabarti, educator, urbanist, and architect with Columbia University; Michael Maltzan, an LA-based architect who also advocates for the homeless; John Edelman, president and CEO of Design Within Reach; Katie Salen, a Chicago-based game designer, educator,  and author; Peter Bilak, a Netherlands-based typographer working to expand the Internet into more foreign languages; Mia Birk, an Oregon-based planner who has worked to make Portland one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States; Mirko Zardini, a Canadian designer who has set a new standard for architectural exhibitions; Rob Kalin, a New York web entrepreneur who founded Etsy, an online community of crafts-people and artists; and Laura Kurgan and Sarah Williams, information designers who uncover hidden data to expose social injustice.

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Contact:
Andrew J. Martin
Director of Communications
The New York Academy of Medicine
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New York, New York 10029
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amartin@nyam.org

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