Chris Ramsey
The Tennessee Public Health Association (TPHA) announced Chris Ramsey, the director of the Office of Health Care Reform at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, as the winner of the third annual TPHA Visionary Award for the East Tennessee Grand Division.
The Visionary Award was created to recognize a person, group, or agency in each grand division of the state of Tennessee who has made an outstanding contribution to the health of their community. It has become part of TPHA’s celebration of National Public Health Week, held across the United States every year during the first full week of April.
“This year’s award honors those who are dedicating their time, talents, and efforts to promote good health and disease prevention in their local communities” said Doris Spain, executive director of the Tennessee Public Health Association. “Chris Ramsey is an exceptional example of that for the state of Tennessee.”
Officials said the hard work and tireless efforts of Mr. Ramsey to create and sustain the Minority Health Fair in Chattanooga have provided community members with free health screenings, HIV tests, mammograms, and health education through over 125 vendors attending the event.
Lanise Hutchins, who nominated Mr. Ramsey for the award, said, “Chris has been the leading force of the Minority Health Fair since its inception. With his infectious positive attitude and passion for a healthy community, this event keeps getting bigger each year.”
“I am honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award,” Mr. Ramsey said. “Many people in the community don’t have adequate health insurance, or any coverage, for that matter, to visit a doctor. It’s really my passion to help them receive the care they need and to educate and empower them so that they can make the right decisions when it comes to their health.”
Additionally, Mr. Ramsey has created the Southeast Tennessee Health Consortium foundation with fellow partners in an effort to empower and educate minorities and close the health gap. Mr. Ramsey has made a significant impact on the health and lives of those living in and around Chattanooga and has proven to be a true public health visionary, officials said.