Jan. 30, 2016
AUSTIN -- The Texas Medical Association Foundation (TMAF) presented its
2016 John P. McGovern Champion of Health Secondary Award to Healthy and Whole,
a program that addresses mental health and medical needs of women who have been
sexually exploited. TMAF presented the award during 2016 TMA Winter Conference
on Jan. 30. The award recognizes exceptional projects that address urgent
public health threats and further TMAF’s mission to help physicians create a
healthier future for all Texans.
Up to 40 women a year participate in Healthy and Whole’s
wellness-oriented residential program. Healthcare for the Homeless — Houston
(HHH) launched the program in 2013. Medical, pharmacy, and public health
students volunteer to teach participants about mental and general health.
Through exercise and cooking classes, peer support, and medical and pharmacy
services, Healthy and Whole also helps women deal with the trauma they have
experienced, equipping them to exit prostitution and stay out of the criminal
justice system.
“The
TMAF’s recognition of Healthcare for the Homeless — Houston’s Healthy and Whole
program with the John P. McGovern Champion of Health Award is an incredible
honor,” said Andrea Link, MD, Healthy and Whole’s program manager. “This
prestigious award will showcase the work we are doing to improve the lives of
women with a history of prostitution and trafficking. It also makes it possible
for us to look towards replicating the program, helping a marginalized group of
women regain healthy living while healing the wounds of sexual
exploitation.”
HHH also promotes health, hope, and dignity for Houston’s homeless
people by providing comprehensive care. The organization offers the medical and
behavioral health expertise of HHH to Angela House, a residential treatment
program for women transitioning into society after incarceration. These women
have significant health and psychosocial needs as they recover from the effects
of prostitution and human trafficking.
TMAF’s Champion of Health Secondary Award is a $2,500 grant for the
winning program. The award is named after John P. McGovern, MD, a
philanthropist, scholar, and noted allergist who founded the John P. McGovern
Foundation in Houston. Dr. McGovern established a permanent endowment at TMAF
to support this award.
TMA is the largest state medical
society in the nation, representing more than 48,000 physician and medical
student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical
societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the
health of all Texans. TMA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the
association and raises funds to support the health improvement and science
priority initiatives of TMA and the family of medicine.
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Please contact the TMA media relations staff for photos of TMAF
leaders presenting the awards to the honorees.
Contacts:
Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320; e-mail: brent.annear[at]texmed[dot]org
Marcus Cooper (512)
370-1382; cell: (512) 650-5336; e-mail: marcus.cooper[at]texmed[dot]org