ACU is honored to represent clinicians, administrators, advocates, and others who are dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare for underserved populations. During the Annual Conference and the NHSC 50th Anniversary Gala, ACU will give special acknowledgment to individuals and organizations in the field that stand out for their commitment to service and community.
We invite you to nominate one of the heroes you know for an award today. The call for nominations closes on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Click here to submit a nomination.
Awards to be presented at the 2020 ACU Annual Conference
Recipients of the following awards will receive a free registration to the ACU 2020 Annual Conference. Awards will be presented during a general session on August 4.
Organizational Excellence – This award recognizes organizations that have implemented innovative and effective strategies to improve healthcare in underserved communities. Strategies may include but are not limited to efforts to sustain a skilled and capable workforce and programs and collaborations to increase access to services and improve patient outcomes.
Health Professional in Training – This award recognizes a student or resident who demonstrates commitment to caring for underserved populations and goes above and beyond to address healthcare needs.
Congressional Champion – This award recognizes a member of Congress who champions increased access to care, improvements to healthcare delivery, and support for the healthcare workforce.
Marc Wetherhorn Advocate of the Year Award – This award recognizes a clinician, administrator, patient, or student whose advocacy efforts have contributed to improvements to policies and/or systems that impact the health of underserved populations.
Awards to be presented at the National Health Service Corps 50th Anniversary Gala
Recipients of the following awards will receive a free ticket to the NHSC 50th Anniversary Gala. Awards will be presented during the Gala on August 3 (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm).
Up & Coming Leader Award – This award recognizes an NHSC member or alumnus who has been active in the field for five to ten years and has turned their placement into a career dedicated to bringing care to underserved communities. This individual shows potential to be a leader and role model for the next generation of NHSC members.
Lifetime Service Award – This award recognizes an NHSC alumnus or organization* with a long history of delivering care in underserved communities. This award recipient is dedicated to mission and inspires future generations to be part of this work. *Eligible organizations participate in the National Health Service Corps program.
2019 Award Recipients
Clinician of the Year: Dr. Debbie Lupeika – Recognized for pioneering one of the first Teaching Health Centers and advocating on behalf of community health centers to ensure adequate state funding for the development, expansion, and sustainability of residency programs.
Organization of the Year: Zero Overdose Project – Recognized for its dedication to overdose prevention through the research and development of clinical tools, training, and interventions.
Health Professional In Training: Jessica Adkins, Medical Student – Recognized for her commitment and dedication to helping underserved communities, including a monthly Elementary Education Program teaching health and safety to underserved children, coordinating medical students to maintain a community garden in a food desert, and educating medical and non-medical students on overdose recognition and naloxone administration.
Congressional Champion: Senator Roy Blunt – Recognized for his leadership role in the U.S. Senate to highlight the importance of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and for rallying his colleagues in support of the program.
Advocate of the Year: Marc Wetherhorn – Recognized for his work to ensure that the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) continues to be a resource that underserved communities can rely on, as well as advocating for the growth and expansion of the program.
