Public health supervisor earns Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky’s top award for expanding access to care in western Kentucky
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is proud to announce Suzanne Craig as the 2024 Gil Friedell Memorial Health Policy Award winner for her outstanding contributions to improving health access and outcomes in western Kentucky. The Daviess County native is the public health supervisor at the Green River District Health Department (GRDHD) and has dedicated over 16 years to serving vulnerable populations through innovative healthcare programs, leadership, and community-building efforts.
Left: Suzanne Craig, Right: Ben Chandler
Since joining GRDHD in 2007, Craig has been a driving force behind the Community Access Projects (CAP), which operate in five counties. The program works with physicians, pharmaceutical companies, case managers and other healthcare providers to connect uninsured and underinsured patients with financial assistance for their care. Craig has coordinated more than $82 million in donated services and prescriptions for underserved populations as part of this program.
In addition to her work with CAP, Craig is a champion of dental health. In 2009, she co-founded the Community Dental Clinic in Owensboro, a nonprofit organization that has provided dental services to over 25,000 individuals in need. Under her leadership as Board President, the clinic has grown significantly, including securing a partnership with the University of Louisville School of Dentistry to increase dental care providers in the region. Her efforts in this area have been life-changing for thousands of patients, many of whom would otherwise be left in dental pain or forced to seek emergency room care.
Her passion for serving her community extends beyond her professional role. Suzanne has successfully written and secured over $6 million in grants for various health department programs and local nonprofits, ensuring that the services these organizations provide can continue. She also served as Board President for OASIS Shelter, supporting survivors of domestic violence, and has played an instrumental role in securing funding and ensuring safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Suzanne’s passion for health and her leadership in addressing disparities are truly inspirational,” said Ben Chandler, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. “Her work not only improves individual health outcomes but also strengthens the entire fabric of the community. Western Kentucky is undoubtedly healthier and stronger because of her dedication.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Suzanne is known for her tireless volunteerism. She has worked nights and weekends during the pandemic to support frontline healthcare workers and nonprofit organizations.
Donation to the Centro de San Juan Diego Foundation
As part of the Friedell Award, the Foundation donates $5,000 to a nonprofit, chosen by the winner, that is positively impacting health and/or health policy in Kentucky. Craig selected the Centro de San Juan Diego Foundation. The Lexington-based nonprofit provides free health services to Hispanic and other vulnerable populations in the area, as well as resources like family nutrition education and after-school tutoring.
Gil Friedell Memorial Health Policy Award
Dr. Gil Friedell was the first director of the Markey Cancer Center at the University of Kentucky and cofounder of the Kentucky Cancer Registry. He helped launch a nonprofit advocacy education organization in 2005 that later became the Friedell Committee for Health System Transformation. The Foundation created the Friedell Award when it united with the Friedell Committee in 2018.