VP of Social Health Services Honored

Michelle Taylor Receives Public Health Champion Award

The Rhode Island Public Health Association honored Michelle Taylor, VP of Social Health Services, among other award recipients at its 28th Annual Meeting on November 20, 2024. 

Michelle was nominated by a fellow employee who saw Michelle's dedication first-hand when helping to staff popup overnight shelter sites. These were created out of deep concern for anyone who had no place to go in extreme winter weather conditions. Driven by the sentiment of Mother Teresa, who is often quoted by this compassionate leader, "If we have no peace in this world, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other," Michelle was instrumental in giving rise to these vital sites in times of extreme weather that certainly saved people's lives.

Ms. Taylor has dedicated almost three decades to serving individuals whose lives have been negatively impacted by the social determinants of health.  "An emphasis on implementing evidence-based practice is aimed at ensuring that our efforts are driven not only by good intentions, but that we are optimally effective in supporting others on their personal journey of leading a healthy and meaningful life, said Ms. Taylor. Building collaborations across the typical "divides" between different organizations and sometimes even across agency programs is of utmost importance."  

Most recently, Ms. Taylor is devoted to understanding the systemic biases built into the very foundation of modern society to address and destroy the inequities that keep all people from achieving their full potential.

Michelle humbly states that all the honor should go to those working with boots on the ground, but her colleagues fiercely support her recognition with deep admiration and praise. Stated most eloquently,

"Michelle, you are such a beautiful soul."-- Bette Gallogly, Shelter Coordinator

Colleagues honor Michelle as she receives her award as Public Health Champion.