WSSU names 2024 Healthcare Legends to be honored at annual homecoming luncheon
Each year during homecoming week, Winston-Salem State University recognizes the progress made in healthcare for African Americans and the East Winston community and honors that history during the Healthcare Legends Awards Luncheon.
The program, in its 8th year, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 6 on campus at the Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center, Room 100.
WSSU founder, Simon Green Atkins, also founded Slater Hospital, the first hospital for Blacks in East Winston, which was built on the WSSU campus in 1902.
The luncheon is a heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary individuals and organizations making a profound impact on the health and wellness of East Winston-Salem residents. It is presented in partnership with the Northwest Area Health Education Center of Wake Forest School of Medicine and the Winston-Salem State University School of Health Sciences.
This year’s honorees are:
Dr. Diane Barber: Dr. Diane Barber has made an indelible impact on mental health, nursing and nursing education over the past 54 years. As a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, she has championed the integration of mental health into primary care, particularly in Forsyth County.
Her efforts include securing funding for a faith-based clinic and medication-assisted therapy training for nurse practitioner students at WSSU. Her tireless advocacy for mental health and chronic disease prevention, combined with her dedication to educating the next generation of healthcare providers, has transformed the community’s approach to healthcare.
Her contributions to reducing health disparities are profound, including leading efforts to open a community wellness center and empowering future providers through mentorship and clinical guidance.
Dr. George A. Harwell: Dr. George A. Harwell has dedicated over 40 years to teaching and advancing the field of medical laboratory science. As chair of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Department at Winston-Salem State University from 2007 to 2017, he played a pivotal role in improving student outcomes in clinical chemistry and fostering student engagement in service-learning experiences for underserved communities.
His contributions include securing in-kind grants, conducting research, publishing book chapters, and presenting scholarly work at national and international conferences.
Dr. Harwell was instrumental in providing vital laboratory services through the Rams Know How Mobile Clinic, offering cardiovascular and diabetes testing for underserved populations in East Winston. His leadership in the medical laboratory science program helped WSSU become the largest producer of diverse MLS professionals in North Carolina, directly impacting health equity and reducing disparities in healthcare access.
Dr. Linda McRae: Dr. Linda McRae, PsyD., MDiv., LCSW, LCAS, CCS, MAC, CSOTS, ICAADC, president & CEO of HOPE Counseling & Consulting Services, Inc., has made a profound impact on the health and wellness of East Winston-Salem residents. Her unwavering commitment to improving mental health access, promoting mental health education and addressing health disparities embodies the essence of a healthcare legend. Through sliding scale fees, free community workshops and partnerships with local organizations, McRae ensures that underserved populations have access to essential mental health services, regardless of financial status. She has also been a tireless advocate for reducing the stigma around mental health and empowering the community through education and support.
Dr. McRae’s holistic approach to healthcare, culturally competent care and advocacy for systemic policy changes have transformed lives and reduced health disparities.
Dr. Peggy Valentine: Dr. Peggy Valentine is celebrated for her transformative leadership in healthcare education and efforts to reduce health disparities. As dean of WSSU’s School of Health Sciences, she expanded healthcare programs to meet the needs of underserved communities. She spearheaded the creation of WSSU’s first doctoral programs, directly addressing healthcare workforce shortages in marginalized areas.
Valentine initiated mobile health services in East Winston-Salem, providing essential care to underserved residents. Her commitment to workforce diversity led to the co-founding of the N.C. Alliance for Health Professions Diversity, promoting representation in healthcare fields. Her advocacy extends beyond education, with active roles on local health boards and efforts to improve healthcare access and equity.
Mr. Robert L. Wooten, Jr.: Robert Lee Wooten, Jr., PA-C, is a distinguished leader in healthcare with a career spanning over four decades. He began his journey in family practice serving underserved communities and later managed the public health clinics at Forsyth County Health Department, providing crucial services such as HIV testing and education. Transitioning to emergency medicine in 1990, he served at Forsyth Medical Center for more than 30 years, bringing high quality care to the community until his retirement in 2022.
Wooten has held numerous leadership roles, including president of the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). He currently serves as president of the NCAPA Endowment, supporting future PA professionals. His commitment to diversity and equity is evident through his role as chair of the AAPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission and mentorship of PA students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN): Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN) is dedicated to improving health and wellness in East Winston-Salem. Through initiatives like the Resident Health Connectors Program, developed with Atrium Health, NBN trains community members to promote healthy lifestyles and connect residents to healthcare services.
NBN is a key player in the Health Disparities Collaborative, addressing healthcare inequities by working with providers and community organizations to bridge gaps in access and outcomes. They also collaborate with Piedmont Alliance to tackle environmental health issues, focusing on reducing pollution and improving air quality.
NBN also partners with CURE Violence Global to address violence as a public health issue, implementing strategies to create safer neighborhoods.
With a holistic approach that empowers residents and addresses social determinants of health, NBN is making a lasting impact on the community’s well-being.
St. Peter’s Church & World Outreach Center: St. Peter’s Church & World Outreach Center, under the leadership of Dr. James C. Hash and Lady Joyce Hash, has been a beacon of hope and health for the community. The church addresses the holistic needs of individuals – spirit, soul and body – through a variety of impactful health and wellness programs. With partnerships that extend beyond the walls of the church, St. Peter’s has offered invaluable services, such as suicide prevention training, senior mobility programs and community health fairs. The church has also provided free mobile clinics and a food pantry, supporting both physical and mental health in underserved areas.
Their commitment to reducing health disparities is evident in initiatives like the “We Care House,” which provides food and clothing, and the “Community Feeding Program,” which has distributed over 36,000 meals since the pandemic began. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, such as Atrium Wake Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, St. Peter’s continues to serve as a pillar of support for the greater Winston-Salem area, fostering both wellness and community engagement.
The luncheon is sold out.
