Suzanne Craig, public health supervisor in Western Kentucky, wins 2024 Gil Friedel Memorial Health Policy Award
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
Suzanne Craig, public health supervisor at the Green River District Health Department, is the latest winner of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky‘s Gil Friedell Memorial Health Policy Award for her work to improve health access and outcomes in Western Kentucky.
“Suzanne’s passion for health and her leadership in addressing disparities are truly inspirational,” Ben Chandler, president and CEO of the foundation, said in a news release. “Her work not only improves individual health outcomes but also strengthens the entire fabric of the community. 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 the Community Access Projects. CAP works with physicians, pharmaceutical companies, case managers and other health care providers to connect uninsured and underinsured patients with financial assistance for their care. Craig has coordinated more than $82 million in donated services and prescriptions for the program, which operates in five counties.
Craig is also a champion of dental health. In 2009, she co-founded the Community Dental Clinic in Owensboro, a nonprofit organization that has provided dental services to more than 25,000 people in need. Under her leadership as board president, the clinic was able to secure a partnership with the University of Louisville School of Dentistry to increase dental care providers in the region.
In addition, she has written and secured over $6 million in grants for various health department programs and local nonprofits, ensuring that the services these organizations provide can continue. She also served as board president for OASIS Shelter, supporting survivors of domestic violence, and played an instrumental role in securing funding and ensuring safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The release also notes that Craig is known for her tireless volunteerism and her work during the pandemic to support frontline health care workers and nonprofit organizations.
As part of the Friedell Award, the winner is given $5,000 to donate to the nonprofit of their choice. Craig selected the Centro de San Juan Diego Foundation, a Lexington-based foundation that provides free health services to Hispanic and other vulnerable populations in the area, as well as resources like family nutrition education and after-school tutoring.
The winner of the Gil Friedell Memorial Health Policy Award is chosen from recipients of a Healthy Kentucky Champions Award, which recognizes Kentuckians who are working to improve the health of their community and the commonwealth. Click here to read more about each of them.
The 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 Healthcare
- Taylor Ryan, Change Today, Change Tomorrow, Louisville
- Tamarra Wieder, Kentucky state director, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
- Dr. Alex Wright, Wright Medical, Paducah.