Celebrating Community Health Champions: Honoring Excellence in Healthcare

by Dr. Patrick Lee

President & CEO

As Central Health marks its 20th anniversary, we stand at a pivotal moment in our mission to provide high-quality health care to all. This year, we not only celebrate our achievements but also pay tribute to the visionaries and changemakers who have been the bedrock of our success.

For two decades, these unsung heroes have fought tirelessly to ensure that every member of our community has access to the care they deserve. Their unwavering commitment has transformed lives, bridged gaps, and fostered a healthier, more equitable community.

To honor these remarkable individuals and organizations, Central Health is introducing the inaugural Community Health Champion Awards.

Each award represents a distinct and essential pillar that has supported our vision of making Travis County a model healthy community over the past two decades.

Community Award: Austin Voices for Education and Youth (AVEY)

The Community Award celebrates the efforts of organizations that work tirelessly to ensure equitable access to quality health care for all Travis County residents.

This year, we are proud to recognize Austin Voices for Education and Youth (AVEY) for their outstanding work in empowering families and students in underserved areas through our public schools.

AVEY has been a catalyst for massive positive change, providing the resources and support necessary for families to thrive and become passionate advocates for healthcare access and equity.

As an invaluable partner to Central Health, AVEY has helped identify students and families with healthcare needs and refer them to agencies that can help.

To learn more about AVEY visit https://www.austinvoices.com .

Health Award: Dr. Guadalupe Zamora

The Health Award recognizes a healthcare professional who embodies the highest standards of care, compassion, and professionalism.

This year, we honor Dr. Guadalupe Zamora , a beloved East Austin family practice doctor whose decades of service have significantly improved the health and well-being of patients with low incomes in our community. Dr. Zamora’s deep empathy and commitment to his patients have earned him the admiration of colleagues and patients alike.

Dr. Zamora, or Pete as he’s known to most, has long made contributions to the community that extend beyond his medical practice. Beyond practicing medicine in East Austin for more than 40 years, he has served on the Central Health Board of Managers since 2013 and was chair 2018-2019. He’s also been a core member of various organizations dedicated to improving healthcare access, including the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) Advisory Board prior to the creation of Central Health, and the Travis County Medical Society (TCMS), where he has served as treasurer, secretary, and president.

Dr. Zamora’s advocacy for quality healthcare for all, along with his role in the establishment of Dell Medical School through the Healthy ATX board - a community organization created to foster the creation of a medical school at UT Austin - has had a profound impact on the lives of Travis County residents.

Champion Award: Clarke Heidrick

The Champion Award is reserved for a leader whose unwavering dedication and commitment have left an indelible mark on our community.

This year, we are honored to present this award to Clarke Heidrick . Clarke served on the board of managers from 2004 until 2017, including as chair from 2004-2006. His visionary leadership as a founding member of the board of managers laid the foundation for our organization.

As a civil leader and attorney, Clarke Heidrick was one of the most prominent figures in the effort to call a vote to create a hospital district, culminating in an election on May 15, 2004. Thanks to his advocacy, the voters said “yes” to the creation of the Travis County Hospital District in that election.

https://youtu.be/DOhnS5X2Pnc?si=cP7_90kr2V8WBGJy