As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus "Health Braintrust," Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen presented awards on Sept. 17 to eight media organizations for their coverage of health care issues in communities of color.
Christensen, the first female physician to serve in Congress, presented the first-ever CBC Health Braintrust Award for special reporting or programing on health issues of concern to people of African descent, and the Beacon of Light Award for media with a track record in promoting better health among people of color.
Receiving the Health Braintrust Media Award were Stephanie Gaines Bryant, WHUR radio; Brian Debose, The Washington Informer; Steve Sternberg, USA Today; Jimmie Briggs, Vibe magazine; The New York Times; and The New York Daily News.
The Beacon of Light Award went to Hilary Beard of HealthQuest magazine and to Harriet Washington of Essence magazine.
The individuals and organizations recognized, Christian-Christensen said, have "helped to spread the word about the many health issues of importance to the African American community and indeed other communities of color." She said the Health Braintrust looks forward to "a stronger partnership between media and policymakers in the African American community."