Distinguished Alumni Award - David R. Gamez

David R. Gamez, '73 MA '80, has distinguished himself as a leader in providing health services for families with limited access to quality health care services.

In 1969 he volunteered as a nurse, providing health care for migrant farm workers in Saginaw County. The experience ignited his passion for providing care for underserved populations.

Now he is president and CEO of Health Delivery, Inc. of Saginaw, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) which operates two dental centers, seven year-round medical centers, seasonal migrant clinics, and mobile medical and dental services. These services are available at times that are convenient for patients and in their native languages.

The organization’s staff of more than 300 provides services to more than 45,000 patients per year in Arenac, Bay, Gratiot, Huron, Ionia, Lapeer, Macomb, Montcalm, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, and Washtenaw Counties.

Prior to joining HDI Mr. Gamez was a clinical instructor for Saginaw General’s School of Nursing. In addition Mr. Gamez was instrumental in the formation of Group Health Service, which later became Blue Care Network of East Michigan. A graduate of Delta College Nursing program, he also attended the University of Michigan On Job/On Campus program in Health Care Administration.

David’s professional affiliations include the National Association of Community Health Centers; he is past chairman of the National Center for Farmworkers Health, based in Austin, Texas.

His civic affiliations include the United Way of Saginaw, Saginaw County Crime Prevention Council, and the Hispanic Coalition for Better Education. He also has served as chairman of the Board of Trustees; Delta College. Presently, he is Chairman of the Board of Control; Saginaw Valley State University.

Mr. Gamez is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He has received many honors and awards for professional and community leadership, including being the first recipient of the Delta College Distinguished Alumni Award. He was appointed as a W.K. Kellogg Fellow and the Outstanding Community College Alumnus Award from the Michigan Association of Community Colleges. He was also recognized as the Distinguished Alumni Award for Saginaw High School.