aWritten by Melissa Patrick
kentucky health news
Suzanne Craig, public health supervisor for the Green River District Health Department, is the latest recipient of the Healthy Kentucky Foundation’s Gil Friedel Memorial Health Policy Award for her efforts to improve health access and outcomes in Western Kentucky. is the recipient of the award.
“Suzanne’s passion for health and leadership in addressing disparities is truly inspiring,” Ben Chandler, the foundation’s president and CEO, said in a news release. “Her work not only improves the health of individuals, but strengthens the fabric of entire communities. Western Kentucky is undoubtedly healthier and stronger because of her dedication.” ”
Since joining the Health Department in 2007, Craig has been a driving force behind community access projects. CAP works with physicians, pharmaceutical companies, case managers, and other health care providers to connect uninsured or underinsured patients with financial assistance for treatment. Mr. Craig has coordinated over $82 million in donated services and prescriptions for the five-county program.
Craig is also a dental health advocate. In 2009, she co-founded Community Dental Clinic in Owensboro. This nonprofit organization has provided dental services to more than 25,000 people in need. Under her leadership as president, the clinic was able to secure a partnership with the University of Louisville School of Dentistry to increase the number of dental providers in the region.
Additionally, she created and secured more than $6 million in grants to various Health Department programs and local nonprofit organizations, ensuring the continuity of the services these organizations provided. She also served as board chair for OASIS Shelter, which supports victims of domestic violence and played a key role in securing funding and safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The release also notes that Craig is known for his tireless volunteer work and work supporting front-line health care workers and nonprofit organizations during the pandemic.
As part of the Friedel Prize, winners will receive $5,000 to donate to a nonprofit organization of their choice. Craig chose the Lexington-based Centro de San Juan Diego Foundation, which provides free medical services to Hispanics and other vulnerable populations in the area, as well as family nutrition education. It also provides resources such as after-school tutoring.
Recipients of the Gil Friedel Memorial Health Policy Award are selected from among recipients of the Healthy Kentucky Champion Award, which recognizes Kentuckians who strive to improve the health of their communities and the commonwealth. Click here for more information on each.
Other 2024 Healthy Kentucky Champions are:
Renee Basham, Hope’s Embrace, Lexington Crystal Fox, Mayfield Minority Enrichment Center Kyle May, Big Sandy LGBT+ Safe Zone Dr. Elizabeth Ottman, Ohio County Health Officer Taylor Ryan, Making a Difference Today , Changing Tomorrow, Louisville Tamara Wieder, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocacy Kentucky Ph.D. Alex Wright, Wright Medical, Paducah;
Kentucky Health News is an independent news service of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Affairs, supported by the Kentucky Health Foundation and based in the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media.
