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Dr. Tara Knight Honored with the 2025 Robert F. Gagel, M.D. Community Leadership Award

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) has proudly announced that Tara Knight, DNP, FNP-C, is the recipient of the esteemed 2025 Robert F. Gagel, M.D. Community Leadership Award. This recognition honors healthcare professionals who have significantly contributed to raising awareness about bone health and delivering exceptional care to those suffering from osteoporosis in their communities.

Dr. Knight has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing osteoporosis care, particularly focusing on the postmenopausal demographic within underserved areas. She has shown remarkable initiative by founding a bone health clinic in her women's health practice located in Jasper, Indiana, specifically aimed at addressing the pressing needs for osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Her proactive approach embodies the very principles that this award seeks to celebrate.

In her quest to elevate osteoporosis care, Dr. Knight completed the BHOF's Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) training in both 2022 and 2024, establishing herself as a leader in the integration of primary prevention and post-fracture care strategies. As a result of her efforts, there have been notable improvements in local bone density screening protocols, significantly enhancing access to quality osteoporosis treatment within her community.

Dr. Knight's contributions extend beyond local initiatives; she has played a pivotal role in professional education on a national scale. She co-authored an informative publication titled "Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Closing the Care Gap" on Medscape™ and has delivered presentations at the Indiana Organization for Nursing Leadership Fall Conference, the FLS Bone Health TeleECHO program, and the 2025 Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis.

As an Ambassador for BHOF and a member of the Ambassadors Leadership Council, Dr. Knight continues to demonstrate her dedication to the foundation's mission. Claire Gill, CEO of BHOF, expressed her excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to present Dr. Knight with the Robert F. Gagel, M.D. Community Leadership Award. Her commitment to equitable, evidence-based osteoporosis care and her impact on both local and national levels make her an outstanding leader in the field."

Award Significance

The Robert F. Gagel, M.D. Community Leadership Award was established in 2024 to honor Dr. Gagel’s esteemed medical career and his extensive service to BHOF. His dedication to patient care and his double role as a board member and officer for over 15 years encapsulate the spirit of this accolade, celebrating healthcare professionals who profoundly influence osteoporosis care and community awareness.

For more details regarding this award and the nomination process, individuals can visit BHOF's official website.

About the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation

Founded in 1984, the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) is the leading health organization dedicated to the prevention of osteoporosis and broken bones. The organization promotes strong bones for life and strives to reduce human suffering through public and clinician education, awareness initiatives, advocacy, and research. As the largest health organization in the nation focused on osteoporosis and bone health, BHOF plays a crucial role in fostering a better understanding of this pervasive health issue. For additional information, please visit www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org.