Memorial Health System and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Honored as 2009 Co-Champions of Community Health

Colorado Springs, CO - Peak Vista Community Health Centers held its fifth annual Breakfast of Champions (featuring Wheaties) today at the Broadmoor’s International Center. Mark Spitz, nine-time Olympic Gold Medalist in swimming, provided the keynote address to more than 800 attendees. The annual event raised more than $150,000 for primary medical, dental and behavioral health services for working families in the Pikes Peak Region. Raising awareness of the organization and its contributions to this community, the event also served to recognize the many champions associated with Peak Vista, especially volunteer physicians and dentists, and community partners.

El Pomar Foundation served as Breakfast of Champions Presenting Sponsor with Kathy and Bill Hybl recognized for being co-founders of the event. According to BJ Scott, president & CEO of Peak Vista. “While Mark had numerous healthcare resources to tap during his training, many of our patients have little to none when a healthcare need arises. Peak Vista is there for the many working families of El Paso and Teller counties when they have health-related needs…in essence, we serve as a champion for the 55,000 patients we care for each year.”

Peak Vista’s Breakfast of Champions recognized Memorial Health System and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services as its 2009 Co-Champions of Community Health for their partnership and ongoing support of Peak Vista’s initiatives. Nominees for the award must 1) exhibit outstanding advocacy for issues which directly impact our community’s health or 2) contribute financially to a measurable community health-related initiative or solicit significant funding for the same. Margaret Sabin, President and CEO of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and Dr. Larry McEvoy, CEO of Memorial Health System accepted the awards on behalf of their organizations.

Peak Vista Community Health Centers is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide exceptional healthcare for people facing access barriers. Established in 1971, Peak Vista annually offers primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services to more than 55,000 El Paso and Teller residents…most from working families without health insurance. To support Peak Vista financially or to learn more about Peak Vista, visit www.peakvista.org.