More than 500 community health center staff, public officials and friends of community-based health care gathered together to "Feel the Heat, Catch the Beat" in a celebration of the mission and work of community health centers across the state.

The gala event featured island music, live entertainment, Latin dancing and a video awards ceremony honoring outstanding community health center employees, public officials and important partners in promoting community-focused health care in Massachusetts.

This year’s Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers annual award winners are:

Outstanding Physician Award

Serena Dee
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

Joseph M. Smith Consumer Award

Lillia Cooper
Dimock Community Health Center

Kathleen Crampton Award

Former Commissioner Bruce Bullen
Division of Medical Assistance

Outstanding Employee Award

Donna LaRocque
Holyoke Health Center

Outstanding Employee Award

Grace Andrade
Great Brook Valley Health Center

Outstanding Employee Award

Pamela Craig
Manet Community Health Center

Congressman James McGovern of Worcester was honored with the League’s 1999 Community Service Award for his work with Great Brook Valley Health Center, and for his leadership on the national level in helping secure $100 million in new funding for community health centers across the country.

Matthew Fishman, director of Community Benefit Programs for Partners HealthCare System, was presented with the League’s 1999 Public Service Award based on his longstanding commitment to advancing community health care in both Boston and across the state.

The President’s Award, presented by Zoila Torres Feldman, president of the League, went to Jack Cradock, president and CEO of East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, and Jim Taylor, the Center’s medical director, in recognition of their collaborative vision and partnership in responding to the needs of their communities.

James W. Hunt, Jr., executive director of the League, received a special award from the National Association of Community Health Centers in recognition of his 20 years of service with the League, and for his ongoing contributions to the community health center movement as a whole.