01.21.2020 / Press Release

Walter Murillo Honored as Families USA’s Health Equity Health Advocate of the Year

Washington, D.C., January 21, 2020 – Walter Murillo, Chief Executive Officer at Native Health in Phoenix, Arizona, has been recognized as Families USA’s Health Equity Health Advocate of the Year. He will officially receive his award Friday, January 24 at an awards luncheon during the organization’s 2020 Health Action Conference in Washington, D.C.

Murillo was selected for his exemplary work championing for better health care in Arizona. A member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, he has been with Native Health for over 21 years. Under his leadership, the organization strives to provide the best health care available for urban American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other individuals who generally experience barriers to holistic, patient-centered, culturally sensitive health and wellness services. Murillo, who serves on many committees and in leadership roles, is known throughout the American Indian community as a pioneer and champion.

“Walter truly understands what it means to be a health equity health

advocate,” said Frederick Isasi, Families USA’s executive director. “He is working tirelessly in Arizona to ensure that his neighbors do not face barriers accessing quality health care because of who they are, where they live or how they identify.”

Each year during its Health Action Conference, Families USA honors the efforts of state and community leaders in advancing social justice through health care advocacy. Awards are presented in recognition of the organization’s four focus areas: Health Equity, Health Care Value, Coverage and Consumer Experience.