For National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2026, we are highlighting some of the incredible volunteers for the Physicians CareConnection (PCC) who are essential to their mission to support the most vulnerable in our community. 

Jennifer Trinidad, DPM, FACFAS, is a podiatric medicine and surgery specialist at Hilliard Family Podiatry, LLC. Dr. Trinidad has volunteered with PCC for more than eight years and in 2019 was honored with their Outstanding Volunteer Provider award. 

What is your volunteer role at Physicians CareConnection? 

I volunteer as a podiatrist providing foot and ankle care to underserved patients in our community. This includes evaluating and treating conditions such as diabetic foot complications, infections, wounds, and painful foot disorders. Many of these patients would otherwise go without care, so being able to step in and help prevent more serious complications is incredibly meaningful. 

What inspired you to volunteer? 

As a physician, I have always felt a responsibility to use my skills to help those who may not have access to care.  In podiatry, especially diabetic patients, early intervention can prevent serious outcomes like infection or amputation. Knowing that I can make that kind of impact for someone who might otherwise fall through the cracks is what truly inspired me to volunteer. 

Why is it important for you to volunteer with PCC? 

Physicians CareConnection creates a bridge between patients in need and physicians who are willing to help. It allows me to extend my care beyond my private practice, Hilliard Family PODIATRY, reaching individuals who may not have insurance or resources. It aligns with why I went into medicine in the first place and that is to help people in a meaningful way. 

Why do you think PCC is important for the community? 

PCC plays a critical role in improving access to healthcare for underserved populations. By coordinating care among volunteer physicians it helps prevent minor conditions from becoming major health crises. This not only improves individual patient outcomes but also strengthens the overall health of the community. 

When you are not volunteering, how do you use your time? 

When I am not volunteering, I spend my time running my podiatry practice and caring for my three children, Hunter (16), Weston (14), and Roxanne (11). I value my time to recharge whether it is enjoying playing music (guitar or piano) and staying active in our backyard with a hobby of raising chickens for eggs. I love animals and have three cats, one snake, two turtles, one dog and 5 chickens. 

Dedicated volunteers are vital to PCC’s life-saving work, and more health care providers are needed. We are seeking physician volunteers to help us meet the growing demand for comprehensive healthcare services and ensure that more people in our community have access to the care they need and deserve. Click here to learn more.

The Physicians CareConnection (PCC) is one of 15 community organizations receiving funding through CelebrateOne’s infant mortality initiative. CelebrateOne recently announced they secured a $3.4 million grant from the Ohio Department of Medicaid to expand the Enhanced Maternal Health Program across Franklin County.  

The funds will allow PCC to expand its work addressing the critical challenges impacting women’s mental health and physical health to reduce infant mortality rates in central Ohio. Their wholistic approach includes culturally competent care coordination, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives to remove barriers to essential healthcare services. 

Their support of pregnant women includes: 

• Assistance scheduling prenatal appointments to ensure timely care through partnerships with hospitals and providers. 
• Transportation assistance to ensure women are able to attend critical medical appointments. 
• Rent and utility payment assistance for vulnerable pregnant mothers to alleviate stress during maternity leave. 
• Connection to substance abuse treatment and recovery services. 

In their 2025 Impact Report, PCC reported that during their 25,690 service encounters in 2025: 

• 6,919 lives were impacted, including household members 
• 698 pregnant women received prenatal and postnatal support 
• Of the 37 births tracked, 83% of the pregnancies went to full term and 83% of the babies were a healthy birth weight 
  

“Every year, our neighbors face barriers to health that have nothing to do with medicine — unstable housing, food insecurity, no way to pay for care,” said Isi Ikharebha Green, MPH, PCC President. “In 2025, PCC's volunteer physicians and healthcare experts led the way, helping reach 6,919 lives across Central Ohio with coordinated support that addresses the whole person.” 

Dedicated volunteers are vital to PCC’s life-saving work, and more health care providers are needed. We are seeking primary care provider volunteers to help us meet the growing demand for comprehensive healthcare services and ensure that more people in our community have access to the care they need and deserve. Click here to learn more.

• William Barson, MD 
• Jeffrey Bell, MD 
• Francis Blais, DO 
• Jeremy Burdge, MD 
• George Calloway, MD 
• G. Patrick Ecklar, MD 
• William Farrar, MD 
• Patrick Fahey, MD 
• Douglas Finnie, MD 
• Medard Lutmerding, MD
• Francine Rasco, MD 

2025 Physician Advocate Award 

Beth Liston, MD received the physician advocate award for her tireless efforts to advocate for physicians and patients in the Ohio legislature. Dr. Liston, a past president of the CMA, is serving her first term in the Ohio senate representing District 16 after serving three terms in the Ohio House. She has advocated for physicians and Ohioans for many worthy causes, like access to prescription medications for those who need it and protecting patients from predatory insurance practices amongst many other initiatives.  

Dr. Liston was not able to attend but shared a video to thank the organization for the award. 

Made for Medicine Impact Award 

Reversa Joseph, MD, received the inaugural Made for Medicine Impact Award. Dr. Joseph is a neurologist and a member of the core faculty for Made for Medicine. Program Director Ciara Stevens said, “She truly is remarkable in her tireless efforts to improve the health of individuals both near and far.” 

Physicians CareConnection Distinguished Service Award 

Two honorees were recognized for their service to the Physicians CareConnection and the PCC Center for Optimal Health. PCC President Isi Green presented the award to Francis X. Blais, DO, and Heather Slattery Woods, saying, “Their leadership, compassion, and steadfast commitment have strengthened our organization and our community. Both honorees have served as officers and volunteers, and guided PCC through seasons of growth, change, and challenge.”

CMA Foundation Marc L. Parnes, MD Service Award

Robert Lowe, MD, received the first CMA Foundation Marc L. Parnes, MD Service Award for his dedication and service that exemplifies the mission and vision of the CMA, CMA Foundation, and its affiliate organizations. 

This award was named in honor of Dr. Parnes, who has served more than 15 years as president and board member of the CMA Foundation. Dr. Lowe, an emergency medicine physician and longtime COTS Board Member, has led and volunteered with the entire CMA organization for nearly 20 years. 

“Together with his leadership, Dr. Lowe has strengthened our trauma, medical, and our emergency response systems,” said Foundation Board Chair Karen King, MD. “We are incredibly grateful, and we are all safer because of him.” 

COTS Mission Champion Award 

In the final award of the evening, William Cotton, MD, and Medard Lutmerding, MD, both received the COTS Mission Champion Award.  

“As longtime board members, they've led with vision, heart, and a true passion for community well-being. Their servant leadership and tireless advocacy have shaped COTS and the communities we serve,” said COTS President Sherri Kovach. 

PCC Participant Recognition 

To close out the awards portion of the evening, Physicians Leadership Academy Board President Maria Courser, MD, recognized the PLA graduates in attendance.