Skip to Main Content

Buckeye Health Plan Honors Community Leaders with 2025 Partners in Purpose Awards

Date: 11/03/25

Community-based organizations across Ohio have received Partners in Purpose Awards from Buckeye Health Plan in recognition of their partnership and dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of local residents. 

“For more than 20 years, Buckeye has partnered with Ohio community-based organizations to make lasting change.  This year’s awards recognize programs that serve a range of needs spanning housing, food security, education and advocacy,” said Justin Loudon, Buckeye President and CEO.

Awards were presented at community partner events across Ohio and include: Unsung Hero Award, Long-Standing Partner Award and Social Determinants of Health Award.

Unsung Hero Award: Honors individuals who consistently go above and beyond, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make a difference in the health of Ohioans without seeking recognition:

  • Donna Queen, Programs and Events Manager, Diabetes Dayton, Dayton
  • Verlena Stewart, Executive Director, Community Building Institute of Middletown, Cincinnati
  • Chris Stewart, Reentry Coordinator, ODRC Office of Reentry Adult Parole Authority - Lima Region, Toledo
  • Yvonka Hall, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, Cleveland
  • Melissa Miller, Refugee Health Specialist/Wellness Group Coordinator, Community Refugee & Immigration Services, Columbus

Long-Standing Partner Award: Recognizes community partners who have shown a strong and lasting commitment to working with Buckeye:

  • Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County, Dayton
  • Cincinnati Health Department, Cincinnati
  • Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo
  • Aultman Health Center, Cleveland
  • Lower Lights Christian Health Center, Columbus

Social Determinants of Health Award: Celebrates organizations who have made significant efforts in addressing the social, economic and environmental factors that impact health outcomes:

  • Montgomery County Office of Reentry, Dayton
  • Strategies to End Homelessness, Cincinnati
  • Junction Family Pharmacy, Toledo
  • Summit County Public Health, Cleveland
  • Bundled with Love, Columbus