IHC Staff and Volunteer Leaders were recognized with awards for their extraordinary efforts to improve community health across Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Health Centers (IHC) staff and volunteer leaders were honored with three awards at the Indiana Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) Annual Conference in October. The awards were presented during the Champions of Healthcare ceremony, which recognizes people and organizations across Indiana who show exceptional leadership and commitment to community health.
“These honors are a tremendous source of pride for IHC and reflect the dedication, leadership, compassion, and commitment to service that define our mission,” said Ann Lundy, Chief Executive Officer of Indiana Health Centers. “To have three individuals recognized at the state level is truly remarkable and speaks volumes about the impact IHC is making in the communities we serve.”
The Champions of Healthcare awards recognize the kind of leadership that moves community health forward in Indiana. Having staff, volunteer, and advocacy leaders all recognized by the Indiana Primary Health Care Association in the same year reflects IHC’s efforts to expand access to high-quality, whole-person care across the state.
The recipients of the awards and their accomplishments are included below.
IPHCA Staff of the Year Award
Kami McClain, IHC’s Senior Director of Operations, received the Staff of the Year Award. Kami leads the Mobile Health Unit, Patient Service Center, Project Management Office, Education, and Community Engagement teams. Under her leadership, the Mobile Health Unit has provided 640 appointments to 494 patients so far in 2026, more appointments than in the previous three years combined. The Patient Service Center has also raised the share of calls answered live from 87% in 2025 to 91% this year.
IPHCA Volunteer of the Year Award
Dr. Bernie Emkes received the Volunteer of the Year Award. A family medicine physician from Seymour, Dr. Emkes has served on the IHC Board of Directors since 2003, including a term as Board Chair. He helped IHC establish its presence in Jackson County and guided the organization through two CEO searches during his 23 years of service.
IPHCA Debra Meers Advocacy Award
Rebekah Price received the Debra Meers Advocacy Award. A member of the IHC Board of Directors since 2020, Rebekah has helped IHC reach Gold Member status with the NACHC Advocacy Center of Excellence. She has traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Indiana’s members of Congress and regularly attends town halls, sharing her personal story to show why community health centers matter.
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About Indiana Health Centers (IHC): IHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center that has provided high-quality, affordable, patient-centered healthcare to underserved areas of Indiana since 1977. IHC operates eleven health centers, including a mobile health unit, that offer care across the state.