The following awards will be distributed during Wood River Health's 50th Anniversary Founders Breakfast and Award Ceremony on March 20, 2026 at the Ocean House in Watch Hill. Each award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the mission and values of community health centers. They honor those who have gone above and beyond advocating for equitable access to high-quality, affordable health care for all, regardless of income, insurance status or background.

Health Center Champion Award
Recipients of the Health Center Champion Award have exemplified leadership in promoting policies and initiatives that strengthen the health center movement. They actively engaged with stakeholders, policymakers and communities to ensure that health centers remain a vital part of the health care safety net. Their efforts may include legislative advocacy, public education, coalition building or championing innovative programs that increase health care access and improve health outcomes.

This award celebrates those whose passion, dedication and advocacy have made an enduring impact on the health and well-being of the members of our community. Their dedication has been instrumental in sustaining community-based health care in Rhode Island.

John Bergeron Legacy Award
A native Rhode Islander, Dr. John Bergeron is was born and raised in Central Falls with his 11 siblings. As a young person, John stood out with his appetite for reading and learning, especially in science. He graduated magna cum laude with a Masters in Science from Brown University in 1977, later earning his Doctor of Internal Medicine from Brown University in 1983. While completing his residency at RI Hospital, he fell in love with Joanne, a nurse on the MICU. He was a committed community doctor, caring for the underserved at Wood River Health Services for 37 years. His colleagues described him as an astute physician and a tremendous diagnostician. Throughout his life he remained a gentle spirit - modest, selfless, and dedicated to the service of others.

The John Bergeron Legacy Award honors an individual whose lifelong dedication and leadership have made an enduring impact on the health center movement and the communities it serves. This award celebrates a legacy of commitment to advancing access to high-quality, compassionate, and equitable health care for all, regardless of circumstance. Recipients of this award embody the values of vision, advocacy, and service that Dr. John Bergeron championed throughout his career at Wood River Health.

Award recipients have demonstrated extraordinary contributions, whether through pioneering initiatives, strengthening health center operations, mentoring future leaders or advocating for policies that protect and expand community-based care. This award is a tribute to those whose passion and perseverance have shaped the present and inspired future generations to carry forward the mission of health centers.

Community Service Award
The Community Service Award honors an individual, organization or partner who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to serving the Wood River Health community. This award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to provide support, resources and programs that improve health, wellness and quality of life for our patients and families. Nominees should exemplify: