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The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) honored several deserving individuals from the community for their contributions and dedication to public health.
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This year's Dr. Alfred L. Bookhardt, M.D. Health Equity Award recipient is Ann Ashley-Gilbert, M.D. from the Altamonte Women's Center. Dr. Ashley-Gilbert is recognized for her dedication to serving residents of Orange County for over 38 years and providing obstetrical and gynecological care to migrant and poor women of Central Florida.
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The annual Bookhardt award was created by the DOH-Orange as a way of recognizing an Orange County physician for their commitment to increasing access to health care with a goal of achieving health equity in Central Florida.
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Also at the ceremony, DOH-Orange recognized individuals for their effects in the community to serve and help reduce disparities in health and health care. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County congratulates this year's Health Equity Award winners:
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Muriel Jones, Federation of Families of Central Florida
Angus Bradshaw, Jr. Miracle of Love, Inc.
Kenard D. Lang, Kenard Lang Foundations
Larry K. Williams, Simeon Resource Center for Men
Dr. Frank Thompson, The Worship Center Orlando
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Background
Dr. Alfred L. Bookhardt (1928-2014) began practicing in Orlando during the Civil Rights Movement. He treated African-American patients who were refused care by white physicians. He also co-founded the Central Florida Medical Society and Guardian Care, the first long-term care facility for African-Americans in Orlando.
