Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc. founder, Tricia Carlisle-Northcutt was recently named a Jefferson Award winner for the Florida Panhandle area. The annual Award recognizes “Unsung Heroes” who serve, help and heal their communities.
In 2005, Tricia founded Children’s Volunteer Health Network, a 501 (c) 3 faith-based non-profit that helps uninsured and underinsured children receive medical, dental and mental healthcare at no cost to their families. CVHN facilitates appointments with healthcare providers who donate their time and talents to ensure that all kids receive the medical attention they need. Since the program’s inception, CVHN has facilitated over 1600 appointments and helped 420 children. Tricia feels the success of the program is because “this is a community that cares about each other. It’s that simple. We all have very busy lives but not so busy that we are unable to help one another. We are volunteer-driven and determined. This award belongs to all the CVHN volunteers and staff. No one receives this honor by going it alone.”
The Jefferson awards were established as national awards in 1972 to encourage and honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public service. Channel 13 WMBB news personalities Amy Hoyt and Jerry Brown hosted the 16th Annual Award ceremony at a black tie event at the Martin Theater on April 10. Watch Tricia’s interview with Amy Hoyt
CVHN Board member Vickie Dollar attended the event:
“Supporting Tricia and CVHN by attending The Jefferson Awards was an honor. It’s incredible to see people from all walks of life giving back to the community. We all think we’re too busy, we have too many commitments but we realize there’s a great need to help these kids and all of us can give in some way. CVHN has made such a difference in the lives of our area children….all because Tricia Northcutt saw a need and gave the time, energy and love to fill it.”
CVHN continues to grow and expand its services. The organization recently acquired a new mobile dental clinic for their preventative oral health program, “Just for Grins.” CVHN also sponsors an annual community fundraiser, “Cottages for Kids.” Builders and architects donate their time and talents to create imaginative playhouses that are auctioned annually during the Thanksgiving week-end at Rosemary Beach, Fl.
To learn more about CVHN or volunteer, visit the CVHN web site at www.cvhnkids.org
