The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, innovation, and dedication have significantly advanced the mission and impact of Community Health Centers across the nation.

Submission Deadlines:

2026 Partner Conference: June 29, 2026

Please select the conference for which you are submitting a nomination.

2026 Partner Conference

2026 Partner Conference

Lifetime Achievement Award
Outstanding Achievement Award
HCCN Impact Award
Partner of Choice Award
PCA Impact Award

NACHC is proud to recognize outstanding individuals, teams, and organizations whose contributions have made a meaningful impact in the community health center movement. While some awards have been re-named, we continue to honor the legacy of those whose enduring commitment to accessible, community-driven care defines our mission. Award recipients will be honored during the upcoming Partner Conference.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Recognizes individuals who, through a minimum of 25 years of service, have made lasting contributions to strengthening the community health center movement with their vision, dedication, and commitment.

Requirements: Individual NACHC members who have worked in senior leadership positions for community health centers for a minimum of 25 years and whose current or last employment was with an organizational NACHC member in good standing.

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Nominee Name & Title *

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Please describe why the individual/organization you have nominated merits this recognition. Include a brief career history, along with any notable achievements, contributions or relevant involvement. *

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Recognizes individuals that have demonstrated outstanding achievement to advance the health center movement through their commitment to excellence, community health, and/or public service.

This award continues the tradition of the following awards: John Gilbert Award, Exemplary Leadership and Service Award, Outstanding Achievement Award, Clifton A. Cole Vision in Leadership Award, Cornell Scott Excellence in Leadership Award, John W. Gaffney Spirit of Leadership Award, Wilford A. Payne Spirit of Unity Award, Jessie Trice Excellence in Leadership Award, Dr. Aaron Shirley Courage in Social Justice Award, Betsey A. Cook Spirit of Excellence Award, John Holloman, MD Leadership in Community Health Award, Janice H. DuBose Spirit of Leadership Award, Robert Russell Excellence in Leadership Award, C. Michael Savage Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Care, Curtis V. Cooper Excellence in Leadership Award, Special Recognition Award, Jeffrey T. Latman Leadership in Health Care, Mary Plaska Staff Award for Outstanding Achievement, John W. Gaffney Spirit of Leadership Award, Len Sharber Excellence in Health Center Leadership Award, President’s Leadership Award, Aaron L. Brown Memorial Public Service Award.

Requirements: Nominees must be individual NACHC members, employees of a NACHC Member Organization in good standing or employees of a governmental agency. Nominees must demonstrate a significant impact in advancing the mission, values, or goals of community health centers. Exhibit leadership, innovation, or sustained commitment that has contributed to the growth, improvement, or visibility of the health center movement at the local, state, or national level. Achievements may include but are not limited to policy or advocacy efforts, operational excellence, innovative programs or services, community partnerships, outstanding public service and/or exceptional leadership in times of challenge.

Nominator Name & Title *

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HCCN IMPACT AWARD

Recognizes individuals employed at a Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN) who exemplify excellence.

Requirements: Nominees must be individual NACHC members in good standing or be employed by an organizational Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN) member who demonstrates outstanding contributions that support health centers through the effective use of data, health IT, quality improvement, or collaboration. Honorees must reflect the mission of HCCNs by driving innovation, enhancing performance, and strengthening the capacity of health centers to deliver high-quality care.

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PARTNER OF CHOICE AWARD

Recognizes individuals or organizations whose partnership with community health centers, NACHC, PCAs, HCCNs, or NTTAPs has advanced the community health center movement.

Requirements: Nominees must be individuals or organizations that demonstrate a profound commitment to collaboration, strategic support, and shared goals that promote access to quality, affordable health care for populations with limited access.

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PCA IMPACT AWARD

Recognizes individuals employed at a Primary Care Association (PCA) who exemplify excellence.

This award continues the tradition of the following awards: Henry J. Fiumelli Patient Advocate Award and the Norton Wilson State/Regional Leadership Award.

Requirements: Nominees must be individuals employed at an affiliate Primary Care Association (PCA) that demonstrate outstanding contributions that support and advance the mission of community health centers through leadership, technical assistance, policy, training, or program development. Nominees must reflect a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and service that strengthens the capacity and impact of health centers within their state or region.

Nominator Name & Title *

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Employer of Choice

Provider of Choice

Partner of Choice

Employer of Choice

Provider of Choice

Partner of Choice

About the framework

2026 National Association of Community Health Center Awards

Submission Deadlines:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

HCCN IMPACT AWARD

PARTNER OF CHOICE AWARD

PCA IMPACT AWARD