Central Health သည် ထူးချွန်သော ခေါင်းဆောင်မှုများအတွက် 2025 ရပ်ရွာကျန်းမာရေးချန်ပီယံများကို ဂုဏ်ပြုပါသည်။
ဒီဇင်ဘာ ၄၊ ၂၀၂၅
AUSTIN, Texas — Central Health celebrated three extraordinary leaders at its annual Community Health Champions Celebration Luncheon on Wednesday, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies the mission of creating a stronger, more equitable health system for Travis County.
This year’s theme, “Care Without Conditions,” highlights a shared commitment between Central Health and its community partners, as the hospital district celebrates 21 years of expanding health care access.
“Our Community Health Champions are a vital part of our system,” said Dr. Pat Lee, Central Health president and CEO. “Addressing health inequities is hard, complex work that requires trust, transparency, and collaboration. We have a long road ahead, but we are making real and good progress, much of it thanks to our Community Health Champions.”
At the celebration, Central Health presented awards in three categories: Community, Health, and Champion.
Community Award: Hungry Hill Foundation
The Hungry Hill Foundation received Central Health’s Community Award for its outstanding commitment to expanding equitable access to care for unhoused residents in East Austin. Founded in 2022, the organization provides healthy meals, clean clothing, vocational support, and essential services that help individuals build long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
In partnership with Central Health, the Hungry Hill Foundation has collaborated on several key initiatives to support health care access. This includes Central Health’s Bridge Clinic, by connecting residents to medical care, preventive screenings, and health education.
Health Award: Emily “Em” Gray, Founder, N.I.C.E. Project
Emily Gray received the Health Award for her outstanding contributions to harm and stigma reduction and increasing life-saving access for high-risk communities. As a founding leader of the N.I.C.E. Project, Gray has built a no-barrier model that includes naloxone vending machines, safer-use supply distribution, and deep engagement grounded in dignity.
A 2024 Community Health Champion herself, Gray bridges public health systems and community voices, demonstrating compassionate, innovative care that helps save lives and reduce preventable health crises.
Champion Award: Rachel Blair, Chief Strategy Officer, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM)
Rachel Blair was honored with the Champion Award for her exceptional leadership in expanding access to comprehensive health services for Austin’s musicians. With more than two decades of nonprofit and health care experience, Blair has helped build a strong partnership between HAAM and Central Health—ensuring thousands of musicians with low income can access medical, dental, behavioral health, and preventative care.
Her strategic vision and commitment to collaboration have strengthened services across the community, advancing the health and long-term stability of Austin’s creative musicians and workers who are vital to the city’s cultural identity.
You can hear more of each award recipients’ story here: https://centralhealth.intelligencebank.com/customshare/index/Dnd1y
Leading By Example
Central Health Board Manager Dr. Maram Museitif, a public health expert and proud alum of the Community Health Champions program, delivered this year’s keynote address. Drawing on her experience both as a clinician and Health Champion, Dr. Museitif highlighted the importance of bridging gaps and building trust.
“Healing begins when we choose to see one another,” said Dr. Museitif. “Together, we are building the very community we dare to imagine. A community where every person feels safe, seen, worthy, and where care is never conditional, but universal and rooted in compassion.”
About Community Health Champions
Since its founding, Central Health’s Community Health Champions program has brought together residents from across Travis County to learn, collaborate, and advocate through a five-session workshop series focusing on the local health care system, the needs of patients with low income, and solutions to advance health equity. Participants are encouraged to think beyond their own experiences and champion access to care within their own neighborhoods.
You can learn more about the program here: https://www.centralhealth.net/get-involved/community-health-champions/