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Gaston Family Health Services Wins 2008 Gaston Together Community Leadership Award

(Gastonia, NC) - Gaston Together: Communities of Excellence is pleased to announce that Gaston Family Health Services (GFHS) has been selected as the winner of the 2008 Community Leadership Award. "The community support that put together this healthcare model to assist the underserved in Gaston County truly exemplifies the spirit of the Community Leadership Award," according to selection committee chair and Gaston Together Council member, Cathy Kenzig. "GFHS was created through the efforts and support of many community volunteers and continues to operate in close collaboration with other organizations and receives guidance from its Board of Directors, a majority of which are GFHS patients."

GFHS currently operates 3 medical and 2 dental clinics and serves more than 22,000 of Gaston County's uninsured and under-insured residents. GFHS practices embody the organization' mission of providing family-centered health, education and preventive care services for those who need healthcare in our community without regard to age, gender, race, culture, disability or the ability to pay. GFHS maintains as its goals: the removal of barriers to health care access and reducing health care disparities.

"GFHS is honored by this award, and it serves as recognition of the hard work put forth by many of our community's most recognized leaders who have worked side-by-side with GFHS patients over many years to establish this program," Robert Spencer, Executive Director of GFHS, commented. Today, GFHS serves as a community healthcare model that has been replicated by other communities across the state. The award will be presented on Thursday, April 3rd at 6:00pm at the Gaston Country Club.

The Community Leadership Award is presented annually to an organization whose work has made a significant impact on improving the quality of life in Gaston County and recognizes ideals reflected in Gaston Together' mission of collaboration and creative problem-solving. Past winners include Operation Playground, the All-America City Team, Connect Gaston' Greenway Project, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the Junior League of Gaston County, the Community Foundation' "Run For the Money" Campaign, Gaston County Schools, the Interfaith Hospitality Network and the Mt. Holly Community Development Foundation."

Each year, the winner of Community Leadership Award receives a sculpture commissioned by Gaston Together. This sculpture is the "Circle of Caring," an original piece of artwork designed by renowned artist Dr. Graham Weathers. Sponsors of the 2008 Awards Dinner are: Duke Energy, BB&T, PSNC Energy, and Firestone Bridgestone Trust Fund.