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WellCare of Kentucky Honors Community Health Champions 2025

On September 25, 2025, WellCare of Kentucky recognized outstanding individuals and organizations committed to health improvement in its sixth annual Community Health Champions Awards at the iconic Churchill Downs. This ceremony, a highlight of the state's community health calendar, celebrated the extraordinary efforts made by these champions in enhancing health outcomes and dismantling barriers that hinder community well-being.

This year’s awards were particularly significant, with 12 distinguished recipients chosen from over 250 nominations submitted from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Each awardee embodies the spirit of dedication and passion necessary to foster positive health changes in their communities. Participants represented eight Kentucky Medicaid regions, with a trio of notable health care providers also being acknowledged, culminating in the selection of an overall statewide champion.

WellCare of Kentucky's Plan President, Corey Ewing, emphasized the commitment of these champions. “Each of our Community Health Champions work hard to remove barriers and improve health outcomes for our family, friends, and neighbors in every corner of the Commonwealth,” he stated. Ewing expressed profound pride in honoring such impactful individuals and organizations who actively contribute to the welfare of Kentuckians.

Winners of 2025 Community Health Champions Awards

Overall Winner

The coveted overall champion title for 2025 was awarded to Marshall Tyson, CEO of the United Way of Northeast Kentucky. With over 20 years of experience in ministry and nonprofit leadership, Tyson has successfully initiated key programs aimed at addressing community health needs in the region. His efforts include the Bridge Builders program, which engages student volunteers to tackle social determinants affecting health in the community. Under his leadership, community support programs have provided essential services, including food, clothing, and other necessities to families in need. Tyson’s unwavering commitment has positively impacted the lives of numerous individuals and families seeking improved self-reliance and access to vital resources.

Regional Winners

In addition to the overall winner, many remarkable individuals received regional awards:

• - Region 1: Dianne Owen, West Kentucky Educational Cooperative
• - Region 2: Karyleen Irizarry, River Valley Behavioral Health
• - Region 3: Olivia Raley, Bardstown Police Department
• - Region 4: Cameron Levis, Bowling Green Parks and Recreation
• - Region 5: David Cozart, Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families
• - Region 6: Greg Mebs, Band of Helping Hands
• - Region 7: Sandy Bellomy, Two Hearts Pregnancy Care Center
• - Region 8: Patty May, Bluegrass Care Navigators (formerly Hospice of the Bluegrass)

Health Care Provider Winners

In the health care category, the honored providers include:

• - Sun Behavioral Health
• - Option to Success
• - Appalachian Regional Healthcare

Each regional winner received a grant of $3,000 for their projects, while Tyson, as the overall winner, was awarded a $5,000 grant to further his initiatives. These grants highlight WellCare’s ongoing support for projects that significantly enhance community health.

About WellCare of Kentucky

WellCare of Kentucky is dedicated to providing quality managed care services to citizens, particularly those with complex health needs. Through government-sponsored programs like Medicaid and Medicare, WellCare strives to promote healthier lifestyles across Kentucky. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a global health care enterprise, WellCare continually seeks innovative solutions to improve health care accessibility and outcomes in the region. For detailed information about their mission and services, visit www.wellcare.com/kentucky.

In conclusion, the 2025 Community Health Champions Awards not only showcased the impactful work being done across the Commonwealth but also served to inspire ongoing commitment to community health and well-being. As Kentucky moves forward, the dedication and leadership of these champions will surely lead the way in fostering healthier communities.