ACHP established the Bernard J. Tyson Health Equity Award in 2021 to honor Bernard J. Tyson’s legacy and continue his mission by celebrating individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to advancing health equity in their communities. ACHP will recognize this year’s winners at the 2024 Annual Symposium in Washington, D.C.
Throughout his career, and especially as Chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, Bernard was a passionate advocate for accessible, affordable and equitable health care, focusing on establishing new care models and challenging the industry to address health inequities. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, which aims to redefine medical education and train physicians to be outstanding clinicians, committed patient advocates and innovative leaders. In honor of his memory and accomplishments, the institution was named the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine after his passing in November 2019.
Since its inception, the Tyson Award has recognized outstanding contributions to health equity. All previous winners have exemplified Bernard Tyson’s vision through their commitment and dedication to addressing health care disparities and promoting equitable access to high-quality care. Past winners include:
- 2023 Health Care Executive: Ruth Williams-Brinkley, LFACHE, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States
- 2023 Health Care Executive: Crystal Clark, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Director for the Center for Social Impact, UPMC Health Plan
- 2022 Health Care Executive: Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Health and ACHP Board Member
- 2022 Community Leader: Pastor George Nicholas, senior pastor at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church
- 2021 Health Care Executive: Rhonda Medows, M.D., president and CEO of Ayin Health Solutions and president of population health at Providence
- 2021 Frontline Worker: Jeanette Rupert, RN, BSN, PHN, an ICU nurse at HealthPartners Methodist Hospital and 612 M*A*S*H*
Nominations for the 2024 Bernard J. Tyson Health Equity Award are open and are due July 26. ACHP is seeking nominees who work to implement innovative programs to reduce health disparities, demonstrate a commitment to community health and well-being and show leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in health care.
ACHP members are encouraged to visit ACHP Connect to learn more about the award and submit a nomination.
