Foundation Announces Dr. George Newby, Jr. Health Equity Leadership Award
In 2021, the Foundation launched the Dr. George Newby, Jr. Health Equity Leadership Award. The award was established in memory of Dr. Newby, the former CEO of ReGenesis Health Care and community health professor at USC Upstate. Dr. Newby died due to COVID in October 2020, before a vaccine was available.
“George was a tremendous friend and colleague who dedicated his life to ensuring accessible healthcare for all people, but especially for those who have been traditionally left behind or marginalized.”
– Molly Talbot-Metz, President/CEO of the Mary Black Foundation
In addition to honoring the legacy of Dr. Newby, the award is intended to recognize an individual or organization working to advance health equity by ensuring that all people in Spartanburg County have access to opportunities for health and wellness regardless of who they are or where they live.
Inaugural Recipient
In January 2022, the Foundation announced that Nora Curiel was named the first recipient of the new award. Nora is the Coordinator of PASOs Spartanburg, an organization that supports the Latino community with education, advocacy, and leadership development.
“Nora Curiel has strategically developed and led a team of Community Health Workers to fill gaps in our community by connecting families with the necessary resources. She has earned the trust and respect of those with whom she partners.”
– Kelley Ezell, Executive Director of Upstate Family Resource Center
Nora used the award to support PASOs of Spartanburg, Upstate Family Resource Center, and HALTER, organizations that are close to her heart and life’s work.
Nomination Process
The Dr. George Newby, Jr. Health Equity Leadership Award will be provided to an outstanding individual or organization committed to ensuring that all people in Spartanburg County have access to opportunities for health and wellness regardless of who they are or where they live. Specifically, nominations should document the individual’s or organization’s experience:
- Using data to identify, prioritize, and improve outcomes for those most impacted by health inequities.
- Addressing the social and community context that shapes individuals’ ability to access opportunity, including those outlined in the Foundation’s Health Equity Framework:
- Accessible, Affordable, and Culturally Relevant Health Care
- High Quality Education and Employment
- Safe and Supportive Neighborhoods
- Looking beyond programs and services to the systems changes needed to reduce health inequities.
- Ongoing and authentic engagement of those most impacted by health inequities.
“The Dr. George Newby, Jr. Health Equity Leadership Award carries with it a $25,000 unrestricted grant from the Foundation. With this award, we seek to honor Dr. Newby, recognize and celebrate others working to carry on his legacy, and encourage more people and organizations to explore how they can advance health equity.”
– Reverend Scott Neely, Program Committee Chair, Mary Black Foundation
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If an individual or organization not considered tax-exempt is recognized, they will work with the Foundation to designate a tax-exempt organization serving Spartanburg County to receive the $25,000 grant.
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Self-nominations are accepted.
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Accommodations can be made for those unable to submit a nomination through the Foundation’s online portal. Contact Amy Page at apage@maryblackfoundation.org if this is a need.
