Families USA recognizes four advocates from across the country for achievements in expanding, improving health care - Families USA Skip to Main Content
01.24.2023 / Press Release

Families USA recognizes four advocates from across the country for achievements in expanding, improving health care

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Families USA announced today that four advocates will be recognized during the organization’s Health Action Conference for their work expanding and improving health care. The winners were nominated by their peers and join a list of previous winners that include Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, Founder and President of the National Birth Equity Collaborative; Dr. Laura Guerra-Cardus, Director of State Medicaid Strategy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Berneta Haynes, Staff Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center.

The 2023 awardees are:

  • Lee Che Leong – Health Justice Advocate of the Year for Health Coverage
    Leong, a policy analyst at Northwest Health Law Advocates in Seattle for her advocacy expanding health care coverage to Washington state’s families and individuals regardless of immigration status.
  • Brittney A. Newton – Health Justice Advocate of the Year for Health Equity
    Newton, a senior policy analyst at Voices for Georgia’s Children for her instrumental leadership helping pass Georgia’s Mental Health Parity Act, which expands access to affordable behavioral health services throughout the state.
  • Adam Fox, Health Justice Advocate of the Year for Health Care Value
    Fox, deputy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI), for being a powerful voice in the discussion on hospital pricing abuses and surprise medical billing and advancing Colorado’s public option.
  • Robin Lynn Tyler – Jeff Kirsch People’s Experience Award
    Tyler, an outreach coordinator at Central Virginia Health Services, for her advocacy on behalf of her patients and community members at the local, state and federal levels.

“Lee Che, Brittney, Adam and Robin are community leaders making a vital impact advancing the health and health care of families,” said Frederick Isasi, Executive Director of Families USA. “These leaders are tirelessly fighting for health care for all people no matter where they live, how much money they make, or where they were born. Their dedication to helping others, hard work, and brilliant strategies are critical as we enter the next era of health care reform.”

Each year during its Health Action Conference, Families USA honors state and community leaders who are advancing social justice through health care advocacy. Awards represent the organization’s four focus areas: Health Equity, Health Care Value, Coverage, and People’s Experience. This year, Families USA is recognizing founding staff member Jeff Kirsch by renaming the People’s Experience Award after him. Kirsch advocated on behalf of children and families to ensure they had access to health care and school meals.

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Families USA, a leading national voice for health care consumers, is dedicated to the achievement of high quality, affordable health care and improved health for all.