LCHC celebrates 43 years of caring

LYNN – More than 200 people attended the 43rd annual meeting of the Lynn Community Health Center at Nahant Country Club Wednesday, an event that highlighted the commitment and dedication of health center staff, board and community partners.Laura Gallant presented the John S. Moran Award for Community Service to Dianne Kuzia Hills of My Brother’s Table. The award is named for the late Daily Item executive editor, who served on the board of directors of the health center. The award is given to a person with strong Lynn ties and an advocate for the health center and a healthier Lynn, who has shown leadership and made a difference for the community.Gallant noted Kuzia Hill’s deep commitment to at-risk families and individuals in Lynn through her work as executive director at My Brother’s Table as well as her role on the Lynn Health Task Force. “Always a tireless advocate for health care access, Dianne has long challenged the community to do more and better for people with barriers to care,” said Gallant. “Her involvement with the Lynn Health Task Force has led to increased and improved medical programs ranging from services for domestic violence survivors to new immigrants to people with substance abuse issues.”Jay McManus, executive director of the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts, was presented with the Public Service Award for his longtime advocacy for the legal rights of children on the North Shore. Bill Jones, who presented the award, spoke about the center’s most recent commitment to ensuring that the many unaccompanied minors who have arrived in Lynn have access to legal services and advocacy. “Many of these children attend Lynn Public Schools, and our school-based health-center staff have worked closely with Jay and his staff to care for them,” said Jones. “Jay is a tireless advocate for those most in need.”Lori Abrams Berry, Lynn Community Health Center executive director, shared achievements and special memories of the many staff who were honored for their years of service. Dr. Stephen Price was recognized for 35 years as a therapist with a special focus on patients with developmental disabilities.