AAFP Foundation honors Program and Philanthropist of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOENIX, AZ. — The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation honored recipients of two awards that set standards of excellence in family medicine: the Outstanding Program Award and the Philanthropist of the Year Award. The awards were given during the AAFP’s 2024 Family Medicine Experience conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

The AAFP Foundation Philanthropist of the Year Award is given to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy through extraordinary support of family medicine and dedication of financial resources. The Foundation is thrilled to name Dennis Gingrich, MD, FAAFP, a family physician in Hershey, Pennsylvania, as the recipient of the 2024 award.

“Dr. Gingrich’s commitment to supporting family medicine is unwavering. On behalf of the AAFP Foundation, I am immensely grateful that he has chosen to dedicate his time and talent to the Foundation—from serving on review committees, to mentoring ELI scholars to working tirelessly to advance the AAFP Foundation’s mission,” said Tomás Owens, MD, FAAFP, and President of the AAFP Foundation Board of Trustees. “His contributions strengthen our specialty and inspire others in the medical community to share their gifts and philanthropy to improve our health care system.”

Gingrich’s longstanding generosity, his compassionate mentorship and his enthusiasm for ensuring a bright future for family medicine has created a legacy in family medicine philanthropy.

The AAFP Foundation also announced the recipient of the Outstanding Program Award, which celebrates exceptional philanthropic activities of AAFP Chapters and Chapter Foundations. The 2024 award honors the Georgia Health Family Alliance for their work with Tar Wars, an interactive and effective program dedicated to educating children about the dangers of tobacco and vape products, at no cost to schools. Through Tar Wars, the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance has educated over 100,000 children, parents, teachers and school officials about the risks associated with tobacco and vaping.

“The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance has made significant strides toward a healthier future for their state, and the mission of the AAFP Foundation aligns seamlessly with the goals of Georgia’s family physicians and the Tar Wars program,” said Owens. “They have our full gratitude and appreciation for providing outreach, education and resources to communities, that, in turn, has resulted in changing behaviors and attitudes toward tobacco and vaping.”