CHCANYS Honors Three Outstanding Advocates & Launches Statewide
“Your Community. Your Health Center.” Campaign – Highlighting the Role of Community Health Centers Across New York State
Read full press release here.
Governor Hochul Proclaims August 2-8, 2026 Health Center Week in New York State
(Albany, N.Y.) – In celebration of National Health Center Week 2026 (NHCW26), the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) today announced the launch of a new statewide health center branding campaign, “Your Community. Your Health Center.” The campaign highlights the essential role the statewide Community Health Center Network plays in delivering high-quality, comprehensive primary care to more than 2.5 million New Yorkers from all walks of life each year, while also honoring each individual health center’s mission and vision. Additionally, Governor Hochul issued a proclamation officially designating August 2-8, 2026 Health Center Week in New York State.
“Community Health Centers are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and are trusted, accessible, and essential. This week is an opportunity to both celebrate and elevate the work happening at CHCs across the state,” said Rose Duhan, President and CEO of CHCANYS. “As demand for care continues to grow, it is critical that we continue to invest in and strengthen this vital part of our healthcare system that is truly Your community. Your health center. I look forward to celebrating this important week with health centers across New York State.”
Throughout the week, Community Health Centers across the country and the state will host events highlighting the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make the incredible care CHCs offer possible. CHCANYS leadership and staff will travel the state to take part in those celebrations. You can find an event at a community health center near you here.
Additionally, CHCANYS President and CEO Rose Duhan will present three awards to an outstanding CHC Board Member, Leader, and Clinician during NHCW:
The Dr. Jack Geiger Award recognizes a licensed provider whose service reflects Dr. Geiger’s lifelong commitment to addressing health, poverty, and human rights. The Dr. Geiger award is presented this year to Dr. Vaty Poitevien, Chief Medical Officer at Housing Works Community Health Center in New York City. Dr. Poitevien was recognized by her colleagues for her transformative leadership, relentless advocacy, and dedication to patients and staff.
The Catherine Abate Memorial Award, honors a visionary leader who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the underserved, including women’s health. This year’s award goes to Nancy Deavers, Chief Clinical Officer at ConnextCare in Central New York. She was recognized by her colleagues for her tremendous contributions to her health center’s growth and her pursuit of clinical excellence.
The Dorothy Kartashevich Award, is given to a consumer board member who has worked tirelessly on their center’s behalf. This award recognizes that the backbone of the community health center movement are the consumer-run boards that guide individual CHCs. This year’s award goes to Christopher Sardella, a member of Trillium Health’s board in Rochester for nine years. He was recognized by his health center for his unwavering commitment to advancing accessible, high-quality, and compassionate care.
CHCANYS congratulates each of this year’s awardees.