By Jacob Wenthe, Building Kentucky
WellCare of Kentucky recently hosted its sixth annual Community Health Champions Awards at Churchill Downs, where individuals and organizations from across the Commonwealth that play pivotal roles in removing barriers, improving outcomes, and supporting community well-being were honored for their hard work and dedication to each of their causes.
“Each of our Community Health Champions work hard to remove barriers and improve health outcomes for our family, friends, and neighbors in every corner of the Commonwealth,” WellCare of Kentucky Plan President Corey Ewing said. “These individuals and organizations are incredibly dedicated to keeping Kentuckians physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy, and we’re proud to honor each of them and to contribute to the causes in which they are so deeply invested.”
This year’s 12 winners were selected from over 250 nominations from across the state. The individuals and organizations recognized represent the eight Kentucky Medicaid regions, three outstanding health care providers and one overall statewide winner. WellCare of Kentucky awarded a $3,000 grant to each of the regional winners and a $5,000 grant to the statewide winner.
Marshall Tyson, CEO of United Way of Northeast Kentucky, was honored as the 2025 Overall Community Health Champion. A dedicated and visionary community leader with more than two decades of ministry and nonprofit leadership experience, Tyson actively addresses community needs to best serve his neighbors.
Tyson has initiated and championed key programs for northeastern Kentuckians, including the Bridge Builders program, which mobilizes hundreds of student volunteers to address social determinants of health needs throughout the community. As a part of those efforts, Tyson has organized programs that provide food, coats, shoes, and formal attire for kids.
Tyson’s leadership and community commitment continues to bring tangible, long-term impact to hundreds of men, women, and families each year. His vision brings people together so they can get the counseling, education, resource assistance they need to advance their progress in self-reliance.
Regional winners include:
Region 1: Dianne Owen, West Kentucky Educational Cooperative
Region 2: Karyleen Irizarry, River Valley Behavioral Health
Region 3: Olivia Raley, Bardstown Police Department
Region 4: Cameron Levis, Bowling Green Parks and Recreation
Region 5: David Cozart, Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families
Region 6: Greg Mebs, Band of Helping Hands
Region 7: Sandy Bellomy, Two Hearts Pregnancy Care Center
Region 8: Patty May, Bluegrass Care Navigators (formerly Hospice of the Bluegrass)
Provider winners include:
Behavioral Health: Sun Behavioral Health
Health Care Provider: Option to Success
Hospital: Appalachian Regional Healthcare
