The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) recognizes April as National Minority Health Month and would like to celebrate community leaders dedicated to improving health equity in Orange County. The 2017 Alfred L. Bookhardt, M.D. award recipient is Dr. Lisa Barkley from the University of Central Florida. The Health Equity Heroes Award recipients are Angela Allen from the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention (CMWP), JoAn Salomon Brise with Healthy Eatonville Place, Allison Hamilton with Aspire, and Clunie Williams with Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention (CMWP). All will be honored during the Health Equity Award Ceremony on Wednesday, April 26th starting at 10 a.m. at the DOH-Orange’s Central Clinic Auditorium, 832 West Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32805.

“This annual award is an opportunity to move the needle forward in terms of health equity in Central Florida,” said Dr. Kevin Sherin, DOH-Orange Health Director. "I applaud all recipients on the hard work they do each day in our community."

During National Minority Health Month, beginning April 1, 2017, DOH-Orange joins the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health along with our community partners in raising awareness about efforts across health, education, justice, housing, transportation, and employment sectors to address the factors known as the social determinants of health – environmental, social and economic conditions. This year’s theme is “Bridging Health Equity Across Communities!” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health will continue to bridge efforts across the nation to help eliminate health disparities, accelerate health equity, and build a stronger, healthier nation.

The annual Alfred L. Bookhardt, M.D. Award for Health Equity was created by the DOH-Orange as a way of recognizing an Orange County physician for their dedication and commitment to increasing access to health care with a goal of achieving health equity in Central Florida. This award honors Dr. Alfred L. Bookhardt (1928-2014) who began practicing in Orlando during the Civil Rights Movement. He treated African-American patients who were refused care by white physicians. He also co-founded the Central Florida Medical Society and Guardian Care, the first long-term care facility for African-Americans in Orlando.