Karen Watt receives national community health award for advocacy
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
Provided photo: Karen Watt was recognized on Feb. 14 by The National Association of Community Health Centers.
ALBION – Oak Orchard Health is pleased to announce that The National Association of Community Health Centers has selected Karen Watt for its 2024 Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP Award.
Karen Watt has served on the Board of Directors for Oak Orchard Health for more than 20 years including many years as chairwoman of the board.
The NACHC Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP Award is named in honor of the late Elizabeth K. (Betsey) Cooke whose constant effort and unflagging persistence as an advocate for America’s health centers and patients set an example for all health center advocates to follow. Recipients are selected based on their leadership and tireless dedication to advocating on behalf of more than 31.5 million health center patients nationwide.
“I am so surprised to be chosen for this award from NACHC,” Watt said. “Supporting and advocating for community health centers has been a labor of love. This community counts on the superior health care services by Oak Orchard Health, and I have been honored to serve on their board for many years.”
Watt is a board member of the National Center for Farmworker Health, and HRSA National Advisory Council on Farmworker Health. She is also the co-owner of Watt Farms Country Market which began in 1980.
Oak Orchard has named its Albion healthcare center in her honor. The Karen D. Watt Center offers primary and pediatric care, and behavioral health, with a Wellness Center next door.
“We so appreciate the dedication and expertise that Karen Watt brings to Oak Orchard Health. Karen is an advocate for the Orleans County community,” said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “She has helped our health centers expand their presence in the community so that we can care for more people. When we need help, Karen is always ready to support us.”
Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve. Currently serving over 30,000 patients at eleven locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw.
