By Marina Wagner, Building Kentucky
WellCare of Kentucky honored 12 individuals and organizations making a difference in communities across the Commonwealth during its seventh annual Community Health Champions Awards at Churchill Downs.
The annual awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work helps remove barriers to care, improve health outcomes and strengthen community well-being.
“Today is about recognizing individuals who see a need and respond, who meet challenges with compassion, and who work every day to help their neighbors live healthier, safer, and more hopeful lives,” said Corey Ewing, Plan President of WellCare of Kentucky. “This event is also an important reminder that WellCare shares a mission with the people we are here to honor. We may serve different roles, but we are united by the same purpose: removing barriers, creating opportunities, and helping people achieve better health and greater well-being.”
This year’s 12 honorees were selected from hundreds of nominations submitted statewide. The recipients included one winner from each of Kentucky’s eight Medicaid regions, three health care provider honorees and one statewide Community Health Champion.
WellCare awarded $3,000 grants to each regional winner and a $5,000 grant to the statewide winner. The awards continue a program that has recognized community health leaders from across Kentucky for seven years.
2026 Community Health Champions
Regional winners
- Region 1: Jean Crawford — Murray Calloway County Need Line
- Region 2: Helen Brown — American Red Cross
- Region 3: Amanda Jones — Nelson County Schools Family Resource and Youth Services Centers
- Region 4: Jennifer Woods — Trammel Creek Extension Homemakers
- Region 5: Joey Jones — New Vista
- Region 6: Pam Harper — Kentucky Thorough-Breasts Dragon Boat Team
- Region 7: Lisa Phelps — Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center
- Region 8: Pamela Hereford — Johnson County Public Library
Health care provider honorees
- Primary Care: Ashland Children’s Clinic
- Hospital: St. Elizabeth Healthcare
- Specialty Care: Marshall Pediatrics
Statewide Community Health Champion
- Kelly Pompilio — Alexandria Police Department
The Community Health Champions Awards are part of WellCare of Kentucky’s ongoing efforts to recognize and support individuals and organizations working to improve health and quality of life throughout the Commonwealth.
