North Raleigh Today

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and former State Health Director Dr. Betsey Tilson have been honored with the Ron H. Levine Public Health Award by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The award was presented at the annual North Carolina Public Health Leaders’ Conference on March 13.

The Ron Levine Legacy Award, named after former State Health Director Dr. Ron Levine, has been recognizing significant contributions to public health since its establishment in 2004. It honors individuals who have improved public health systems, expanded service capacity, or built lasting partnerships for better health outcomes.

"Former Governor Cooper and Dr. Tilson have made extraordinary contributions to public health, shaping policies and programs that will have a lasting impact on the well-being of all North Carolinians," stated Dr. Kelly Kimple, Interim State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer.

Governor Cooper is noted for expanding Medicaid to over 640,000 residents and creating a medical debt relief program that alleviated nearly $4 billion in debt for low- and middle-income individuals. He also established data-driven public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in one of the lowest per capita death rates in the Southeast.

Dr. Betsey Tilson's career focused on improving public health systems with evidence-based care services. During her tenure as State Health Director, she led initiatives like Medicaid Expansion and Healthy Opportunities Pilots addressing non-medical drivers of health such as housing and food security.

Both honorees were praised for their leadership during challenging times and their commitment to enhancing healthcare access for all residents of North Carolina.