Prep Alum, Champion of Health in East Harlem, Wins Double Honors

For years, Ray Lopez (XI/Dalton '95, Amherst '99), the Environmental Health Manager at LSA Family Health Service, quietly worked in the trenches helping the poorest residents of East Harlem combat a series of growing environmental health hazards there: some of the highest asthma rates in the nation, serious rodent and insect infestation, and dangerous mold. His efforts have been recognized with two prestigious honors in the last year. Bronx-native Lopez is spending the current academic year studying at Columbia University as one of its ten Revson Fellows. The prestigious fellowship allows mid-career New York City leaders the chance to engage in an intensive nine-month course of study, research, and reflection as they contemplate the next stage of their work to improve communities.

 

Late last year, Ray was also awarded The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Leaders Award for 2008. According to the Foundation, he was chosen from over 800 nominees as one of ten “exemplary Americans …from all over the country who conquer huge obstacles and take commanding action in local communities to tackle some of the most challenging health and health care problems facing the nation.” Along with national recognition and a personal growth stipend for Ray, his employer will receive a special $105,000 project grant.  Congratulations Ray!