Michigan Primary Care Association Communication Director honored with national advocacy award
Dana Hughes, Communications Director at the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA), was awarded the Elizabeth K. Cooke Grassroots Advocacy Award at the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Policy & Issues Forum held last week in Washington, DC.
Hughes was among 15 recipients honored for legislative and grassroots advocacy work supporting Community Health Centers.
As Communications Director at MPCA, Hughes works closely with Michigan Health Centers helping them spread the word about community involvement and their commitment to excellence in heath care. She is also heavily involved with NACHC and works tirelessly to educate the public about the need for and benefit of Community Health Centers as well as fostering relationships with legislators and key policy makers on a state and national level.
Hughes said the award is validation of her mission and passion to educate and advance awareness of Community Health Centers.
"Receiving this award is such an honor," she said. "Spreading the word that Community Health Centers are THE model for ensuring those most in need have access to quality health care is something I feel very passionate about, and helping people connect with their legislators to voice their opinions and see that they can actually make a difference is so rewarding."
Hughes began her work at MPCA in July 2003 and in that time has developed a wealth of resources Health Centers can utilize to promote their mission. She facilitates regular discussions on marketing and effective communications and is a leader in shaping a united and consistent communication strategy for both MPCA and Michigan's Community Health Centers.
MPCA Executive Director Kim Sibilsky said that Hughes' commitment to Health Center Advocacy is apparent in everything she does.
"It was a real thrill to see Dana receive this well deserved award," Sibilsky said. "Not only is she creative and hard working, she is a critical driver of change and innovation in communications in Michigan and the nation.
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Members of Michigan Congressional Delegation Honored with National Health Care Awards
At the National Association of Community Health Centers' (NACHC) Policy & Issues Forum held March 23-28 in Washington, DC, Michigan's U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, and Congressmen John Conyers, John Dingell, Vernon Ehlers, Dale Kildee, Gary Peters, Mike Rogers, Mark Schauer, Bart Stupak, and Fred Upton were recognized for their strong support of Health Centers in Michigan and across the country.
Senator Stabenow was named a Distinguished Community Health Champion for her leadership on behalf of those who rely on America's Health Centers for their health care. She has worked tirelessly as a member of the Senate Finance Committee throughout health reform to ensure that low-income communities are guaranteed access to primary care and a Health Center home.
Congressman Dingell was named a Distinguished Community Health Defender for his long-time commitment to Community Health Center initiatives. He understands that Health Centers provide a network of quality, affordable, primary and preventive health care for this state's and this nation's most vulnerable residents. His actions affirm that he is committed to preserving, strengthening, and expanding the Health Center program, which will save money and lead to a healthier nation.
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ARRA and Health Centers: One Year Later
Community Health Centers provide quality health care to 20 million people.
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MPCA, Michigan Health Centers Help Get Health Insurance for Children
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Community Health Centers Mark Progress At One-Year Stimulus Anniversary
People and communities are healthier thanks to the investment in America's Community Health Centers from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the "economic stimulus."
The law, enacted one year ago this week, provided funds that helped Health Centers expand care to the growing numbers of unemployed and uninsured people who were quickly filling up their waiting rooms. To increase capacity and serve more people, many Health Centers were able to keep or recruit new staff, such as nurses, doctors and dentists, and renovate or even build new facilities.
"The economic stimulus investment has made a substantial difference at Michigan Community Health Centers and in communities across the state," said Kim Sibilsky, Executive Director, Michigan Primary Care Association. "Michigan Health Centers have been able to reach more patients who need care, but the numbers alone don't tell the whole success story. Health Centers are seeing families who are struggling because of the recession. Many of them had health insurance before and now don't. The stimulus has made it possible for Health Centers in our state to reach out to these new patients and show them the comprehensive, quality, accessible, affordable care provided at Community Health Centers can meet all of their health care needs under one roof so they can stay healthy during this challenging time."
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