VANCOUVER, Wash. Washington State University Vancouver presented two Community Awards of Distinction Oct. 12 at its annual Scholarship and Service Recognition Dinner. The award for Community Partnership was presented to the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington. The award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion was presented to Teresa Williamson, youth services/access to recreation/inclusion coordinator for the Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation.
Community Partnership
The award for Community Partnership is given to an individual or organization whose leadership has made a significant impact on the community. In 2010 the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington provided 10,929 patient visits for medical and dental care; filled 9,834 prescriptions and coordinated specialty care for 366 patients. All of these patients were uninsured and all of their care was provided free of charge.
In 2008 the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington established the Project Access Program. This program organizes donated specialty and hospital care to uninsured Clark County residents. Currently there are more than 260 physicians in the community participating in the program in addition to the four major health systems: PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente and Providence Health. Since the program began, 1,115 patients have received high-quality specialty care, surgery (if needed) and hospital care at no cost to the patient.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Community Award of Distinction for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is given to an individual or organization whose exceptional achievement in these areas has broadly impacted the community. Teresa Williamson provides inclusion and inclusive recreation programming along with meaningful, significant and relevant programming for individuals with disabilities through her work at Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation.
Williamson acts as an advocate for programs for individuals with disabilities and has created the framework for individuals with disabilities to participate in Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation programs. She has developed a number of partnerships with other agencies and non-profit organizations to ensure opportunities for all are available and access to programs and services not available through Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation are accessible.
One of Teresas greatest strengths is her persistent optimism and diligence in trying to find solutions and ensure the greatest accessibility and experience for those participating in the program, said Peter Mayer, parks and recreation director for Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation, in his nomination of Williamson.
The Community Award of Distinction was established in 2009 by Chancellor Emeritus H.A. Hal Dengerink as part of 91勛圖窪蹋厙s 20th anniversary celebration. Dengerink believed strongly in the reciprocal relationship between the university and the communitywhen one thrives, both prosper.
Nominations for the Community Award of Distinction were collected throughout the summer and winners were selected by committee.
Learn about 2010 Community Award of Distinction recipients by visiting and clicking on Community Award of Distinction.
Scholarship and Recognition Dinner
91勛圖窪蹋厙s Scholarship and Recognition Dinner brings together scholarship donors and scholarship award winners for an evening of celebration. This year $325,000 in scholarships were awarded to 142 students.
We are truly thankful to all of the individuals and corporations who support student scholarships at 91勛圖窪蹋厙. Together with all of our donors we are strengthening and opening new doors of opportunity for students. said Jennifer Miltenberger, 91勛圖窪蹋厙s director of development and alumni relations.
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CONTACTS:
Jennifer Miltenberger, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, 360-546-9604, crooks@vancouver.wsu.edu
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu
Pictured above: Barbe West, executive director of the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, accepts 91勛圖窪蹋厙s 2011 91勛圖窪蹋厙 Community Award of Distinction for Community partnership. West is accompanied by 91勛圖窪蹋厙 Interim Chancellor, Lynn Valenter (left) and Vancouver Business Journal Publisher and Community Award of Distinction committee member, John McDonagh (right).