The Texas Medical Association Foundation (TMAF) has named the 2026 recipients of the John P. McGovern Champion of Health award: the Free World Bound program of Dallas and Amy’s House of Temple.
TMAF announced the awards during its annual gala during TexMed, the association’s annual conference, held this year in Corpus Christi. The awards recognize the honorees’ ongoing efforts to address public health challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
Free World Bound, the first-place recipient, receives a program grant of $7,500. Amy’s House, the second-place recipient, receives a program grant of $3,000.
About the winners:
TMAF Champion of Health Top Award: Free World Bound by AIDS Arms, Inc. (Dallas)
The TMAF Champion of Health top award winner Free World Bound is operated by AIDS Arms, Inc. of Dallas, a nonprofit organization now operating as Prism Health North Texas. It is in its fourth decade of preventing HIV infection and transmission while ensuring access to treatment for individuals experiencing some of the highest health disparities in Texas. Free World Bound’s team of three meets with incarcerated men and women prior to release, ensuring a seamless connection to HIV care, housing, nutrition, transportation, and vocational support upon reentry.
“We are so honored to be considered for the prestigious John P. McGovern Champion of Health Award,” said John Carlo, MD, CEO of AIDS Arms. “The program has saved countless lives, prevented additional infections, and resulted in a healthier Texas community.”
For 26 years, the Free World Bound program has worked with previously incarcerated people to ensure continued access to lifesaving HIV treatment immediately after being released from a Texas prison.
Without the Free World Bound program, sponsors say many of the people living with HIV would fall out of care after release – leading to interrupted treatment, serious health consequences, increased risk of transmission, and a high likelihood of recidivism.
The program ensured continuity of HIV treatment for 170 individuals last year and enrolled them in the state’s HIV medication assistance program – improving individual outcomes and strengthening public health statewide. Free World Bound serves 12 counties in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Second Place Award: Amy’s House (Temple)
TMAF’s second-place Champion of Health award winner Amy’s House provides safe, sanitary, and affordable lodging for people who are organ transplant recipients, living donors, oncology patients, and their caregivers while they receive treatment at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center.
“Receiving this award is both exciting and humbling,” said Phyllis Renfrow, executive director of Amy’s House Foundation. “It reflects the collective effort of our team and the community we serve, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to continue making an impact with the support from the Texas Medical Association Foundation.”
Amy’s House reduces health disparities by removing housing and financial barriers that prevent cancer and transplant patients from accessing consistent care. Many are rural, low-income, or medically vulnerable families and patients who require extended treatment far from home.
The nonprofit provides a stable, home-like environment for patients and loved ones close to the hospital to reduce stress, support treatment adherence, and promote physical and emotional well-being during extended medical stays. Amy’s House helps advance health equity, dignity, and continuity of care for medically vulnerable families.
“Thank you so much for helping to make Amy's house a home for our transplant and cancer patients,” said Ms. Renfrow.
TMA Foundation supports philanthropic efforts aligning with TMA’s vision and funds TMA's population health, science, and community outreach initiatives. Its Champion of Health award is named after the late John P. McGovern, MD, a philanthropist, scholar, and allergist who founded the John P. McGovern Foundation in Houston. Dr. McGovern established a permanent endowment at TMAF, which supports this award.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 60,000 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.
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TMA Contacts: Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; (512) 656-7320; brent.annear@texmed.org Swathi Narayanan (512) 370-1382; (408) 987-1318; swathi.narayanan@texmed.org
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