WellCare of Kentucky recognizes 2026 Community Health Champions

12 winners receive awards, grants for their organizations

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of Kentucky honored 12 individuals and organizations at its seventh annual Community Health Champions Awards at Churchill Downs. The awards recognize people and organizations across the Commonwealth whose work removes barriers to care, improves health outcomes and strengthens community well-being.

"Today is about recognizing individuals who see a need and respond, who meet challenges with compassion, and who work every day to help their neighbors live healthier, safer, and more hopeful lives," said WellCare of Kentucky, Plan President, Corey Ewing. "This event is also an important reminder that WellCare shares a mission with the people we are here to honor. We may serve different roles, but we are united by the same purpose: removing barriers, creating opportunities, and helping people achieve better health and greater well-being."

This year's 12 honorees were selected from hundreds of nominations submitted statewide. The recipients include one winner from each of Kentucky's eight Medicaid regions, three health care provider honorees and one statewide Community Health Champion. WellCare awarded $3,000 grants to each regional winner and a $5,000 grant to the statewide winner.

Kelly Pompilio of the Alexandria Police Department received the statewide Community Health Champion Award.

Pompilio pioneered Kentucky's first police social worker program, creating a model that has since expanded to nearly 40 police departments across the Commonwealth. Under her leadership, police social work has become a recognized approach for connecting individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges, substance use, homelessness, food insecurity and other crises with critical resources and support.

Beyond her work with the Alexandria Police Department, Pompilio leads community initiatives focused on prevention, wellness and outreach. She coordinates mobile mammography screenings and Easter meal distributions and leads an annual cell phone drive to support families in need and communities affected by traumatic events.

Keynote speaker John Y. Brown III discussed efforts to support underserved communities. Gov. Andy Beshear and Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Steven Stack, MD, congratulated the honorees in recorded messages.

Regional winners include:
Region 1: Jean Crawford, Murray Calloway County Need Line
Region 2: Helen Brown, American Red Cross
Region 3: Amanda Jones, Nelson County Schools
Region 4: Jennifer Woods, Trammel Creek Extension Homemakers
Region 5: Joey Jones, New Vista
Region 6: Pam Harper, Kentucky Thorough-Breasts Dragon Boat Racing Team
Region 7: Lisa Phelps, Hope's Place Child Advocacy Center
Region 8: Pamela Hereford, Johnson County Public Library

Provider winners include:
Primary Care Provider: Ashland Children's Clinic                                                                                                       
Hospital: St. Elizabeth Health Care
Specialty Care Provider: Marshall Pediatrics

High-resolution photos are available for use.

About WellCare of Kentucky
WellCare of Kentucky provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans across the state. WellCare is a wholly subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information, please visit www.wellcare.com/kentucky. 

SOURCE WellCare of Kentucky