Announcement of Inaugural Community Health Improvement Awards

Announcement of Inaugural Community Health Improvement Awards

The Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards, named after the esteemed public health advocate and former Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher, were presented last night at the University of Rochester Medical Center. These awards honour individuals who have made significant contributions to community health in the greater Rochester region.

Dr. Satcher, who received his medical training at the University of Rochester Medical Center in the 1970s, has served for many years as an advisor to the University on public health issues. Currently, he is an advisor at Elemental Advisors, working with local organizations to advance health improvements, health education, quality, and community collaboratives.

This year, Katrina Korfmacher, Ph.D., was honoured for her decade-long efforts to reduce lead exposure for children in Monroe County, culminating in a historic lead abatement ordinance passed by the City of Rochester in 2005. The awards also recognised her efforts to reduce lead poisoning and provide outreach to at-risk mothers and children.

Peter Szilagyi, M.D., M.P.H., was recognised for his 23 years of work in improving healthcare for underserved children, including a successful community-based program to reduce disparities in immunization rates in Rochester.

Senator Jim Alesi was honoured with an award for his advocacy and support for outreach and health education programs aimed at underserved populations. His efforts secured funding for the Center for Community Health's Healthy Living and Vida en Salud programs, a physical activity and health promotion program in the African American and Latino communities, and the Healthy Living Library, a unique educational community resource dedicated to health and wellness.

Mardy Sandler, L.M.S.W., was awarded for her 34 years of work in improving the well-being of the community's families, women, and children, particularly through the development of the Parent and Child Training Program (PACT) and Baby Love home visit programs.

Nancy M. Bennett, M.D., director of the Center for Community Health, stated that the awardees are powerful role models and their programs are examples of what can be achieved through academic-community partnerships. Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of the medical center, stated that Senator Alesi's efforts are making a difference and improving the health of the most vulnerable in the community.

Dr. Satcher expressed his deep honour to have these awards named after him, stating that they represent the spirit of collaboration and commitment to improving community health. The Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards continue to recognise and celebrate those who strive to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the Rochester community.

[1] Source: Elemental Advisors

1. The Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards celebrate individuals who contribute significantly to community health.
2. Dr. David Satcher is an advisor to the University of Rochester Medical Center, focusing on public health issues.
3. Elemental Advisors works with local organizations to advance health improvements, health education, quality, and community collaboratives.
4. Katrina Korfmacher was honoured for her efforts to reduce lead exposure and poisoning in Monroe County.
5. Senator Jim Alesi's advocacy and support secured funding for health outreach and education programs.
6. Mardy Sandler's work focuses on improving the well-being of families, women, and children in the community.
7. The Parent and Child Training Program (PACT) and Baby Love home visit programs were developed by Mardy Sandler.
8. Nancy M. Bennett, director of the Center for Community Health, sees the awardees as powerful role models.
9. Bradford C. Berk, CEO of the medical center, praised Senator Alesi's efforts in improving the health of vulnerable community members.
10. Dr. Satcher expressed his honor to have the awards named after him, representing the spirit of collaboration in improving community health.
11. Science plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing medical-conditions, chronic-diseases, cancer, respiratory-conditions, digestive-health, eye-health, hearing, and neurological-disorders.
12. Fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and skin-care are essential components of general health and wellness.
13. Therapies-and-treatments, such as medical and mental-health therapies, are crucial in managing various health conditions.
14. Family-health is closely linked to women's-health and the health of children, making it vital to address issues in this area.
15. Autoimmune-disorders, skin-conditions, and migration can have significant impacts on a community's health.
16. Education-and-self-development, personal-growth, and career-development are vital to overall well-being and can contribute to better health outcomes.
17. War-and-conflicts, accidents, fires, and crime-and-justice can have devastating effects on the physical and mental health of a community.
18. Job-search, politics, policy-and-legislation, and general-news can impact the health of a community by influencing resource allocation and access to care.
19. Workplace-wellness programs can help address issues like stress and improve the overall health of employees.
20. Cardiovascular-health is crucial in preventing diseases like heart disease and stroke.
21. Weight-management is essential in managing obesity and reducing the risk of chronic-diseases.
22. Medicare is a healthcare program for seniors that covers a range of medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.
23. CBD, a compound found in cannabis, is being studied for its potential benefits in managing various health conditions.
24. Skills-training in areas like first aid, CPR, and trauma response can lead to better health outcomes in a community.
25. Sports like football (NFL), basketball (WNBA, NBA), baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, and other sports can promote physical fitness and mental well-being.
26. Car-accidents, while preventable, can have devastating effects on the health of those involved.
27. Learning new skills and developing a love for education can contribute to positive health outcomes.
28. Policy-and-legislation can help address issues like access to quality healthcare, environmental health, and mental health services.
29. It is crucial to continue striving for improvements in community health, addressing various health issues and promoting policies that support the well-being of all members of a community.

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