Foundation Now Accepting Nominations for 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.
2023 Recipient
Mount Moriah Baptist Church was awarded with the 2023 Dr. George Newby, Jr. Health Equity Leadership Award.
Mount Moriah has worked for over 40 years to reduce health inequities and disparities in Spartanburg’s Southside community. Their long list of impactful programs and resources includes the Mount Moriah Diabetes Support Group, the Exercise Ministry, mental health counseling, health and dental screenings, and weekly food distribution. For many years, the Southside community was considered a food desert. Mount Moriah has been an active participant in Rebuilding the Southside efforts, including support of the new Piggly Wiggly grocery store, which opened on South Church Street in August 2022.
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.
Nominations should document the individual’s or organization’s experience improving outcomes for Spartanburg County residents most impacted by health inequities.
The award carries with it a $25,000 unrestricted grant from the Foundation. If an individual or organization not considered tax-exempt is recognized, the award recipient will work with the Foundation to designate the grant to a tax-exempt organization serving Spartanburg County.
The recipient will be selected by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees after receiving a recommendation from a committee comprised of community members, Trustees, and at least one member of Dr. Newby’s family. The award recipient will be announced in early 2024.
The nomination process closes on Sept. 28, at 5 p.m.
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Additional information and the nomination form are available at here.
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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.
