State Senator Sonya Jaquez-Lewis was among several to be recognized for their efforts to support the work of Colorado Community Health Centers and the people they serve.
Jaquez-Lewis was one of two legislators who received the Legislator Community Health Champion award last week. The award recognizes legislators who go above and beyond to support legislation that increases access to primary health care to underserved populations.
Colorado Community Health Centers was established in 1982 and is made up of over 20 healthcare centers including Salud Family Health and Clinica Family Health.
Jaquez-Lewis has been a champion for healthcare while serving in office, a news release from Colorado Community Health Centers states. In 2019, she was a prime sponsor for a bill to create a reproductive health program within Medicaid for Coloradans, regardless of immigration status.
In 2022, she was the lead sponsor on an antidiscriminatory contracting bill and a bill to create programs to support healthcare workers.
State Representative Mary Young, who represents House District 50 in Weld County, received the same award for her work on mental health, community health and education bills.
Eric Galatas of Public News Service received the Community Health Champion Media Award for his coverage of healthcare issues, affordable housing and substance abuse.
Mitzi Moran of Sunrise Community Health received the Stanley J. Brasher Community Health Gratitude Award. This award was named in honor of Jerry Brasher who was one of the founders of the Colorado Community Health Network.
Moran is a life-long advocate for Colorado’s most vulnerable populations and is recognized as a state and national leader in health information technology adoption, integrated health care services, safety net collaborations and professional health education, according to the news release.
Fátima Groom won the 2023 Community Health Advocate Award for her tireless efforts to advocate for policy and issues.
