MPHA Public Health Awards: Celebrating Commitment to Accessible Healthcare

Date: 05/22/2025

The Maine Public Health Association (MPHA) recently announced the 2025 Phebe Conrey King Access to Healthcare Award recipients, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to improving healthcare access in Maine. We are thrilled to congratulate the recipients, our own Rebekah Gass, MD, lead physician, Northern Light Infectious Disease, and Amy West, FNP-C, clinical director, Homeless Health Services, Penobscot Community Health Care, for receiving this honor.

This award honors those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing the healthcare needs of uninsured and medically under-served individuals in Maine. Nominees are selected based on their proven abilities in promoting increased access to healthcare, providing evidence of actual provision of healthcare services to the under-served, and showing an unwavering commitment to ensuring healthcare access for Maine residents.

Both Dr. Gass and Amy West have shown tremendous dedication and passion for ensuring that everyone has equal access to the healthcare services they need. Their efforts have positively affected countless lives throughout Maine and serve as an inspiration to others in the field.

“I am honored to receive this award from MPHA,” says Dr. Gass. “This recognition is not just mine but is a testament to the incredible teamwork and dedication of all those involved in addressing the HIV / HCV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus) cluster in our community.  It has been a group effort that includes community organizations, local healthcare providers, and importantly my partners in the Infectious Disease team at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues who share a commitment to improving lives and fostering a healthy future for all members of our community; and it is an honor to share the award with Amy West.”

"We are excited to recognize Dr. Gass with the Phebe Conrey King Access to Healthcare Award,” says Rebecca Boulos, PhD, MPH, executive director of Maine Public Health Association. "Dr. Gass is being recognized for her leadership in responding to the Bangor-area HIV outbreak, and for her compassionate, patient-centered, professional care to people living with HIV."

Congratulations to Dr. Gass and Amy West for this well-deserved accomplishment that reflects the true spirit of the Phebe Conrey King Access to Healthcare Award and reminds us of the importance of supporting the health and well-being of our communities.
 
 
Members of the media wishing to speak with Dr. Gass may contact Marketing and Communications at 207.973.9530 or emmcmediarequest@northernlight.org