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Over 100 community health leaders attended the first annual John Rex Endowment Hands of Health event at Exploris Tuesday, October 26, 2004, in anticipation of the announcement of the first John Rex Endowment Hands of Health Award recipient.
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Ann Goodnight, board chair of the John Rex Endowment, presented Peter Morris, MD, MPH, with a specially commissioned Hands of Health bronze sculpture. The annual award was established to honor individuals who inspire others with the innovative work they do to improve the health of underserved children in Wake County. The Endowment will contribute $10,000 to a charitable organization designated by Dr. Morris. |
Dr. Morris has impacted organizations in Wake County that are connected to children's health and well-being. He serves as medical director for Wake County Human Services and works as a pediatric intensivist and attending physician at WakeMed. Dr. Morris has also held leadership positions with Wake County SmartStart, the Wake County Medical Society, the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the Triangle United Way.
"Peter demonstrates qualities of leadership, innovation and passion for the well-being of children in our community," said Pamela Dowdy, executive director of Wake County SmartStart. "Advocacy and the ability to affect public policy, including increasing resources to health issues requires the thoughtful expertise that Peter exemplifies in his work. For that reason, he has been eagerly sought as a participant on statewide collaborative committees."
Dr. Morris' concern for children often focuses on those at greatest risk. Working with The University of North Carolina Center for International Understanding, he led the charge for a Wake County Latino Health Coalition. Additionally, Dr. Morris was at the forefront of the effort to organize SmartStart ten years ago, and he chairs its board today. He also stepped up to lead the local Medicaid program - helping to build Project Access, which increases the access of underserved children to Medicaid and NC Health Choice.
According to Paul Harrison, executive director of the Wake County Medical Society, "Peter has influenced the state of health and well-being of children in Wake County for more than two decades. He has demonstrated a focused determination, insight, wonderful good humor, leadership and a dedication to the goals of improved health and life circumstances for all our children. He has helped organizations focus on highly accountable outcomes, thereby making them more effective service providers to our children."
For more information, contact Kevin Cain or McAllister Myhra at 919.835.3565 or kevin@rexendowment.org or mcallister@rexendowment.org
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