By Marita Salkowski
The Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter of the American Red Cross’ Inaugural Clara Barton Award for Humanitarian Service was last week awarded to Dr. O’dell Owens. This award is named after the remarkable founder and first leader, Clara Barton, and was presented to Owens for his life-long commitment to the community through his groundbreaking work in medicine; advocacy for education; and his activism for the underserved.
Red Cross Regional CEO Stephanie Byrd, said “It’s appropriate that we hold this celebration during Volunteer Appreciation Week. Like Dr. Owens, and the namesake of the award he receives today, devoted Red Cross volunteers provide service to humanity as reflected in the assistance they provide on a daily basis to victims of disaster. Whether it’s a hurricane on the coast, or a wildfire out west, our volunteers from the Central & Southern Ohio are there. But we are also here, keeping Cincinnati covered in hope with our disaster response and preparedness programs for our neighbors in the Tri-State.
“Dr. Owens is a living legend in greater Cincinnati. His groundbreaking work in medicine; service to our community in many pivotal leadership positions; and his advocacy for children and the underserved; make him the perfect choice to be our inaugural honoree.”
I offer my congratulations to Dr. Owens for being the first-ever recipient of the Clara Barton Award for Humanitarian Service and sincerely thank him for his remarkable contributions to our community.’’
This Award for Humanitarian Service will be given out each year in Cincinnati to a community leader who demonstrates great concern for the Tri-State and has made it a better place to live and work. This special event gives the Red Cross an opportunity to recognize community leaders for their service, as well as highlight the work of the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter. The funds generated serve as an important source of revenue in supporting the life-saving Red Cross programs in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Brown, Clermont, Dearborn, Ohio, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, and Grant counties.
Special remarks were made at the ceremony by:
Jeanette Altenau, Director of Community Relations, TriHealth
Deanna Hillard, Previous O’dell’s Fellows Member
Chara Fisher Jackson, Executive Director & CEO, Cincinnati Preschool Promise
Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Vice Mayor, City of Cincinnati
Mary MacDowell, Community Events Manager, CET
Monica Posey, President Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Michael A. Thomas MD, Department Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine & UC Health