Inspira Health Appoints Dr. Richard G Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD, as Medical Director of LIFE Program

Stefanacci has extensive experience developing and implementing care delivery systems

Vineland, NJ (February 24, 2025) – Inspira Health is pleased to announce that Dr. Richard G. Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD, has been appointed Medical Director of Inspira Living Independently for Elders (LIFE), effective immediately. Stefanacci will oversee the medical aspects of care for the LIFE Program, ensuring effective utilization management and clinical outcomes.

Throughout his decades-long career, Dr. Stefanacci has focused on developing and implementing care delivery systems to improve health outcomes, specifically for older adults. As Medical Director of LIFE, he will leverage his experience to implement and oversee the quality assessment and performance improvement program. Furthermore, he will provide leadership in mentoring medical residents and serving as a member of the Inspira LIFE Executive Leadership Team.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Richard to Inspira Health,” said Mia Dempsey-Stahl, Executive Director of Inspira LIFE. “As an organization committed to inspiring and empowering healthier communities, Richard’s passion and experience will prove to be invaluable and make a lasting, positive impact on all. We look forward to Richard’s contributions through this pivotal role.”

Dr. Stefanacci’s distinguished career in geriatric healthcare spans over three decades, marked by his pioneering work in developing care delivery systems to improve health outcomes for older adults. His unique journey began remarkably early – he celebrated his 8th birthday in his family’s nursing home, where he spent weekends and summers working various positions, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to eldercare. After completing his Internal Medicine and Geriatric training at Rowan University, Dr. Stefanacci established a thriving primary care practice in Sicklerville, New Jersey, before dedicating his expertise to the Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Over the past 25 years, he has served as Medical Director for four regional PACE programs, substantially impacting comprehensive care delivery for seniors. His influence extends to the federal level, where he served as a Health Policy Scholar for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Currently, Dr. Stefanacci continues to shape the future of healthcare as faculty at Thomas Jefferson University’s Jefferson College of Population Health, where he advances innovative solutions for aging populations.

Dr. Stefanacci’s passion for improving the health and well-being of all extends outside of his professional career as the founder of the Go4theGoal Foundation, a charity established in memory of his son. Go4theGoal Foundation has raised millions of dollars to assist hundreds of children affected by cancer at nearly 100 children’s hospitals nationwide, while also funding cutting-edge research to find a cure.

“I am honored to accept this new role and join the Inspira team,” stated Dr. Stefanacci. “Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work on various care delivery systems, and I am eager to apply that experience at Inspira to help ensure that local, frail older adults can continue living in the community at the highest possible quality of life.”

Dr. Stefanacci earned a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree and a Masters in Geriatric Health (MGH) from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. Additionally, he completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Keller Graduate School of Management. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics/biology from Boston College. Stefanacci is a fellow of both the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the American Geriatric Society, and was awarded the Humanism in Aging Leadership Award from the University of New England’s Department of Geriatrics and South Jersey Man of the Year in 2022.

Inspira LIFE offers seniors, with ongoing health needs, a personalized individual health care plan tailored to meet their needs that may include a balance of both home-based and center-based care. Inspira LIFE also provides support and resources to ease the burden of caregiving.  Inspira LIFE’s primary mission is to keep seniors living independently in their community. LIFE serves adults 55 years and older in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties. For LIFE program referrals, call 855-295-LIFE or 856-418-5433, or email LIFEEnrollment@ihn.org. For more information, visit InspiraLife.org.

About Inspira Health 

Inspira Health is a charitable nonprofit health care organization committed to providing an exceptional experience for patients and their loved ones. Tracing its roots to 1899, the system comprises four hospitals, two comprehensive cancer centers, nine multi-specialty health centers and locations throughout South Jersey.

Inspira’s surgical teams provide a wide array of innovative robotic and minimally invasive surgeries, including nationally accredited bariatric services at Inspira Medical Centers Mullica Hill and Vineland. In partnership with Cooper University Health Care, Inspira provides comprehensive neuroscience and cardiology services throughout the region.

Inspira’s extensive ambulatory services include urgent care; ambulatory surgery centers; physical and occupational therapy; comprehensive behavioral health; primary and specialty physician practices; and extensive outpatient imaging in partnership with Atlantic Medical Imaging (AMI). Inspira EMS covers communities throughout South Jersey. Inspira’s Population Health and Community Impact Departments address social drivers of health that impact individuals and families in our region.

Inspira’s more than 1,400 physicians and advanced practice providers, and 8,000 employees, provide evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. As a regional leader in physician training, Inspira Health educates and provides extensive clinical opportunities for more than 280 medical residents and fellows in 16 nationally accredited programs. Accredited by DNV Healthcare and committed to the principles of high reliability, Inspira Health is focused on clinical excellence and patient safety. For more information about Inspira Health, visit http://www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.

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