The global healthcare crisis that gripped our attention in 2020 and remains a challenge was just one of the issues that really tested us all last year. The calls for social and racial justice also garnered national attention. When soliciting nominations for CAP’s Second Annual CAPtivating Causes Awards, we sought to recognize members who are doing work in their own communities to advance health equity among populations that do not have access to traditional avenues of medical care. “Access to healthcare is a goal not easily achieved by all. The Second Annual CAPtivating Causes Awards highlights CAP members who work to overcome this obstacle,” said CAP CEO Sarah E. Scher, JD. “It is never an easy task to select awardees among such worthy nominees and we are pleased to tell you about the recipients of the 2020 awards.”
COMMUNITY HERO AWARDEE
David Alessi, MD
CAP Member Since 2001
Otolaryngology
Beverly Hills, California
The 2020 CAPtivating Causes Community Hero Award was granted to Dr. David Alessi for his leadership at Face Forward International, a nonprofit organization that provides pro bono reconstructive surgery to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. This nonprofit organization was founded by Dr. Alessi and his wife Deborah Alessi in 2007, and Dr. Alessi serves as director of its Physician Advisory Board.
The nominating statement along with the many patient testimonials stood out as having a lasting impact on thousands of people who may not otherwise have received physical and emotional care. CAP’s nominating committee was particularly impressed by the fact that Dr. Alessi continued to see two to three pro bono cases per month amidst the pandemic.
We are pleased to present a $5,000 grant to Face Forward International so that this organization may continue to help survivors improve their quality of life.
Information on Face Forward can be found here: https://www.faceforwardintl.org/
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARDEE
Christina M. Ford, MD
CAP Member Since 2011
Psychiatry
Los Angeles, California
For the 2020 CAPtivating Causes Community Leadership Award, we recognized Dr. Christina M. Ford for her involvement in FEAST, a nonprofit organization dedicated to democratizing health and wellness in underserved communities through access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and emotional support groups. Dr. Ford has served as board chair since 2015.
The nominating statement, submitted by fellow CAP member Scott Kaiser, MD, painted a vivid picture for our selection committee: “Along with maintaining a private general adult psychiatry and women's mental health practice, Dr. Ford makes significant contributions of time, talent, and service towards the needs of those in highly disadvantaged communities. Dr. Ford is not only addressing significant access issues but also getting to the root causes of so many chronic disease and mental health issues – truly moving 'upstream' to improve overall health and well-being.”
We are pleased to present a $1,000 grant to FEAST so that the organization may continue its mission to promote health and wellness in underserved communities.
Information on FEAST can be found here: https://feastforall.org/
Congratulations, Dr. Alessi and Dr. Ford!