RAVEN’S BALL LUMINARY AWARDEES

One annual Raven’s Ball highlight is the presentation of the Luminary Awards, which recognize individuals for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the Alaska Tribal Health System and communities. The HANF Oversight Committee recently announced its 2014 recipients.

James Armbrust is the 2014 recipient of the President’s Award. His work has contributed significantly to the development and success of the Alaska Tribal Health System since its earliest days and has been instrumental in stabilizing the relationship between IHS and the tribal health programs in Alaska and ensuring the success of the Alaska Tribal Health Compact. His orderly, respectful conduct of negotiations, detailed notebooks of all decisions, and most importantly, absolute integrity and concern about Alaska Tribal health programs are legendary.

Sally H. Smith is the 2014 recipient of the Legacy & Leadership Award. She is recognized for her visionary and generous contributions to the Alaska Native community and our healthcare partners. Her service as a health leader and advocate for over 45 years has highlighted the health challenges and success stories of Alaska Native people to the attention of government leaders, policy makers, funding agencies, academic institutions and to Alaska Native and American Indian people. We are a better health system because of her leadership, and we are better people because of her personal attention.

Dr. Robert Onders is the 2014 recipient Distinguished Provider Award.  He is recognized for his quality of care provided to Alaska Natives living in Kodiak and the island’s six remote villages. His efforts to redesign KANA’s care processes as “physician champion”, in conjunction with adoption of a new electronic health record system has significantly improved the provision of screening services, allowed the organization to be the first in Alaska to reach target performance for all 21 measures defined by the Indian Health Service, and generated high patient satisfaction.

Darren Lieb is the 2014 recipient of the Community Spirit Award. He is recognized for creating a culture of excellence among youth in Bethel. His passion has led others in the community to embrace volunteerism and create healthy opportunities for kids in a way the region has never seen before. He inspires the youth and believes in them; and in return, they learn to believe in themselves.

See our 2013 Awardees