2018 Philip Gilbert Awards Recipient: Melanie Lawson

Congratulations to Melanie Lawson, recipient of the 2018 Philip Gilbert Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. The award, given each year, is reserved for a dedicated and passionate volunteer who shares Healthy Start’s vision and actively contributes to the realization of Coalition goals.

Melanie has volunteered to serve as a board member for the Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition for many years and is a dedicated community advocate in saving the lives of babies.  As one of the anchors for The Morning Show at News4Jax, Melanie ensures that the Coalition’s mission is in the forefront of our community through media. She hosts health specials that have featured our organization’s work in ending infant mortality. Her passions involve contributing to the community, hosting public service events and mentoring children. We are grateful to her for her time and commitment.

The award is given in honor of the late Philip H. Gilbert, founding chair of the Coalition and executive vice-president of the Duval County Medical Society, who devoted countless hours to advocating for and supporting services to meet the needs of the underserved in Northeast Florida. It honors individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Healthy Start and the health of women, infants and families.