Title
Also naming the 1800 block of Wharton street “Walter P. Lomax, Jr., M.D., Way” to recognize, honor, and celebrate Dr. Walter P. Lomax, Jr. for his leadership, dedication, philanthropy, and support of Black Philadelphians.
Body
WHEREAS, Born in South Philadelphia in 1932, Dr. Walter P. Lomax, Jr., exhibited academic excellence from a young age. He graduated from LaSalle University and Drexel School of Medicine (then Hahnemann Medical College) before beginning a solo medical practice in the same South Philadelphia neighborhood where he had grown up. He practiced at that site for 32 consecutive years; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, he grew his practice into a multi-site group practice consisting of 22 physicians. He was affiliated with Pennsylvania Hospital and Graduate Hospital and also served on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine; and
WHEREAS, In 1982, Dr. Lomax established Lomax Health Systems, Inc., a management company concentrating exclusively on healthcare. In 1984, LHS won a medical services contract to recruit physicians and physician assistants to supplement the City of Philadelphia’s staff in the prison system. In 1990, Correctional Healthcare Solutions, Inc., was incorporated to specialize in the management and delivery of health services to correctional facilities. CHS emerged as a major participant in this industry, offering quality care while containing costs. When it was sold in October 2000, CHS was providing health care in 60 correctional facilities in 16 states; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, LHS joined forces with a firm in Virginia to form Healthcare Management Alternatives, Inc. HMA successfully won a Pennsylvania Department of Welfare contract (HealthPASS) to provide health care to Medicaid recipients in South and West Philadelphia. From HMA’s success in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, HMO licenses were issued in each of those states. In 1995, AmeriChoice was formed as a holding company for the three state HMOs, and was eventually sold to United Health Group Company; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Dr. Lomax formed The Lomax Family Foundation (“LFF”) and served as its Chairman. The LFF provided funding for eligible non-profit organizations and programs that promote arts and culture, health and wellness, education and philanthropy in the African-American community. LFF has had a significant impact on the Philadelphia region, not only because of the size of the financial support it offers to many programs and organizations but as one of a few African-American grantor foundations in the area; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lomax also served as chairman of The Lomax Companies, an investment office, which manages a global portfolio of private equity investments with particular emphasis on technology, communication and real estate. One of his most passionate business ventures was WURD Radio, LLC, which he acquired in 2002. WURD is the only African-American owned radio station in Pennsylvania and has changed the media landscape in the region. Dr. Lomax and his work with WURD hasensured that Philadelphia would remain a powerful voice in the living history of conscious Black radio; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lomax served on the boards of a number of prominent institutions. Among them are LaSalle University, the African-American Chamber of Commerce, the Philadelphia Orchestra, AmeriChoice of Pennsylvania, Universal Companies, and American Realty Capital. Dr. Lomax was also recognized for his achievements with honorary degrees from Neumann University and Lincoln University; and
WHEREAS, With all of his professional and business success, his family continues to honor and remember his legacy. Walter was married to his wife, Beverly, for over 55 years. They were blessed with six children, who continue to engage in the family business; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lomax’s commitment to economic empowerment of the Black community was fierce and shown through his historic actions. His endeavors in health care, minority business development, and philanthropy paved a path for younger generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, also names the 1800 block of Wharton street “Walter P. Lomax, Jr., M.D., Way” to recognize, honor, and celebrate Dr. Walter P. Lomax, Jr. for his leadership, dedication, philanthropy, and support of Black Philadelphians.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dr. Walter P. Lomax, Jr., as evidence of the admiration and respect of this body.
End