Real people, real impact

Every year, the Center for Community Engagement in Health Innovation hosts the Speak Up for Better Health Awards to celebrate the everyday people who make our health system more equitable and responsive.

These are incredible individuals who are using their voices to make our health system more just and equitable — especially for people most hurt by our health system today.

The fourth annual Speak Up for Better Health Awards sought the nominations of people who:
  • Brought COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination resources to underserved neighborhoods and populations — particularly communities of color.
  • Launched or led grassroots efforts to educate and engage their health system on community needs, particularly related to historical and structural racism in health care.
  • Advocated for action from health systems on the social determinants of health, like affordable housing, better transportation services, or greater food security in low-income communities.
  • Pushed for education and resources to help people avoid and overcome crushing medical debt.
Sarah, a young woman with light brown hair, is wearing black glasses and a wide smile. Sitting in her wheelchair at her desk at work, Sarah has a notepad and pen in hand. Behind here is a small framed sign that says: "Have a happy time Sarah”
Advocacy and Equity: Centering Lived Experience in Health Innovation
Community Catalyst’s Brandon Wilson, Ph.D, hosts an online event to announce the fourth annual Speak Up for Better Health Award winner, Sarah Schwegel. Sarah and Dr. Wilson are then joined by Elizabeth Fowler, director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at CMS. The group discusses health innovation, equitable program and policy design, and the role of advocacy in shaping health care that is designed by people, for people.

Meet the Winner + Honorees

Sarah Schwegel – Winner

Sarah Schwegel is no stranger to telling her own story. She has been a passionate advocate for disability rights since the age of six, when she was selected as the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Read more

Abdifatah Ali Dahiye – Honoree

Born in Somalia, Abdifatah Ali Dahiye came to Seattle as a high school student and went on to study public health at the University of Washington. Today, Abdifatah is supporting his community through the Somali Health Board.

Read more

J. Donté Prayer – Honoree

J. Donté Prayer is reimagining community health work by merging his mission in sexual health and HIV education with his love of fashion. Donté created R.O.L.E. Models to excite, engage and educate members of his community.

Read more

Luckie Alexander Fuller – Honoree

Luckie Alexander Fuller launched the organization Invisible Men on Trans Day of Visibility for a very important reason. After he medically transitioned, Luckie found there was no place for trans men of color to be visible in the media or online.

Read more