LifeBridge Health Recognized as Finalist for Prestigious American Hospital Association Award Honoring Excellence in Community Service
Baltimore – LifeBridge Health has been recognized as a national finalist for the 2025 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service, one of the most prestigious community awards in healthcare. Presented by the American Hospital Association (AHA), the prize honors hospitals and health systems for their exceptional commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
LifeBridge Health was one of four organizations nationwide honored during the AHA Leadership Summit in Nashville on July 21. Fairview Health Services in Minnesota received the top award, while Inova Health (Virginia) and Rush University System for Health (Illinois) were recognized as finalists, along with LifeBridge Health.
“Being named a finalist for the Foster G. McGaw Prize is a powerful affirmation of the work our teams do every day to meet people where they are — in our hospitals, neighborhoods, schools, faith communities and beyond,” says Neil Meltzer, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health. “This national recognition reflects our deep commitment to walking alongside our community members, addressing challenges that affect their well-being and creating lasting, meaningful change in people’s lives.”
Among the programs cited by the AHA as part of LifeBridge Health’s recognition:
- Center for Hope – A first-of-its-kind initiative that integrates violence prevention, intervention, advocacy and education to address the root causes of violence and support healing across Baltimore and central Maryland.
- Care Happens Here Mobile Unit – A health service that removes barriers like transportation and cost by bringing care directly to underserved communities.
- Comprehensive Diabetes Programs – Holistic support for patients with diabetes, including healthy food delivery, virtual medication management and transportation to appointments.
- Access Carroll – A partnership providing no-cost care and social support to more than 16,000 Carroll County residents.
- Community Pastoral Outreach – Health screenings and education efforts in partnership with churches, synagogues and other faith-based organizations across the region.
Photo provided by the American Hospital Association
As a finalist, LifeBridge Health received $10,000 to support its community health efforts.
Now in its 39th year, the Foster G. McGaw Prize is sponsored by the Baxter Foundation and administered by the AHA. The prize recognizes health systems that demonstrate a strong commitment to community partnerships and measurable improvements in health.
Sharon McClernan, LifeBridge Health vice president of population health and value-based care, accepted the award on behalf of the health system.
About LifeBridge Health
LifeBridge Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. Our health system includes Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale, Grace Medical Center, and hundreds of primary care and specialty physicians throughout the region. With a mission to care for our communities together, LifeBridge Health is deeply committed to improving health and advancing the well-being of the communities we serve. For more information, visit www.lifebridgehealth.org.
Contact
Sharon Boston, svboston@lifebridgehealth.org, 410-601-4350