Augusta Health Honored with 2024 AHA Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award

FISHERSVILLE, Virginia—Augusta Health has achieved a significant milestone by being one of only three hospitals and health systems nationwide to receive the highly esteemed American Hospital Association’s (AHA) 2024 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care (EOC) Award. This national recognition, given in honor of Ms. Lewis, the first African American hospital trustee to chair the AHA Board, is evidence of Augusta Health’s dedication to eliminating barriers in healthcare for the communities it serves. This is Augusta Health’s second recent national award for promoting health equity. In May, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recognized Augusta Health with a CMS Health Equity Award.

“The AHA’s Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award is given to hospitals and health systems for their deep dedication to reducing health disparities and other inequities within their communities,” said Rick Pollack, AHA’s President and CEO. “This year’s honorees have shown exemplary commitment to understanding and improving the lives of their patients, communities, and employees and serve as important examples to the entire hospital field.”

The Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care recognition is divided into three categories: Transforming, Emerging, and Rural/Small Community. Augusta Health was awarded in the Emerging category for its culturally sensitive care initiatives, such as Neighborhood Clinics (formerly Mobile Clinics). With community partners, these clinics extend access to primary care services for medically underserved community members. Other initiatives include:

• Culturally Competent Education and Training
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy
• Leadership with community partners for the 2023 Housing Summit
• Community Infant & Maternal Health Navigator program
  

“In recent years, Augusta Health has implemented many programs to address local health disparities,” said Mary N. Mannix, FACHE, Augusta Health President and CEO. “These initiatives bring to life Augusta Health’s integrated approach to promoting health equity and ensuring inclusive and accessible healthcare for all. Receiving the Carolyn Boone Equity of Care Award is evidence that we are making a difference for our community and also serving as a national model for community-based healthcare. This recognition is truly a testament to the dedication and hard work of our providers and team members, from the frontline to our governing board, who consistently strive to live these values and are the force that drives our success.”

Augusta Health will be honored on July 22 during the 2024 AHA Leadership Summit, which brings together healthcare leaders nationwide in San Diego, CA. To learn more about the AHA Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, please visit https://www.aha.org/about/awards/aha-equity-care-award.