BALTIMORE, April 24, 2024 – Neil Meltzer’s career in public health began working the cash register at his father’s drug stores. That’s when he realized the role a pharmacist played in a community’s health, he said.

“My father was someone who, if people couldn’t afford medication, he would trade. People would bring him food or gifts because he insisted they get their medication, even if they couldn’t afford it,” recalls Meltzer. “I grew up in a family that always taught me to believe that if you’re fortunate enough to have, then you had an obligation to give back.”

Throughout his career in public health, and now as President and CEO of LifeBridge Health in Baltimore, Meltzer has maintained that mindset. Under his leadership, LifeBridge has sought to represent and work to serve all communities equitably.

For that, Meltzer is being honored as the 2024 recipient of the Watkins-Saunders Award by the American Heart Association, Baltimore & Greater Maryland division.

This award is presented annually to individuals in Maryland who display an outstanding commitment to overcoming health disparities and inequities through clinical or medical work, or through community improvements.

Meltzer will be recognized at the Heart of Maryland Heart Ball on May 4 at the M&T Bank Exchange in Baltimore, and officially presented the award during a virtual ceremony June 20.

“Neil has made a significant and enduring impact on our organization. His visionary leadership as chairman of the board in 2010 and 2011 made us a more effective and efficient organization,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association.

“Baltimore faces complex challenges and Neil and his team at LifeBridge Health work tirelessly to make sustainable improvements in the city’s health,” Brown added, “and he is certainly deserving of this recognition.”

Established in 2012, the Watkins-Saunders Award honors the late Dr. Levi Watkins and the late Dr. Elijah Saunders, both pioneers in the field of cardiology who were committed to equality in health care, and dedicated volunteers of the Association.

“Dr. Watkins and Dr. Saunders lived by example, challenged us to do better and to be better. It's very humbling to receive an award that honors two such outstanding individuals who are true pioneers in the field of cardiology and are in the vanguard of physicians fighting health disparities,” Meltzer said.

“The previous recipients of the Watkins-Saunders Award are true champions for health equity. They've led by example and advocated for others, and I'm honored to be considered among their company.”

Meltzer said LifeBridge Health is working to address social determinants of health in Greater Baltimore’s most vulnerable communities by focusing on prevention to keep people healthy and out of the hospital.

“Whether it's transportation and housing, or access to healthy food, there are many things outside an individual's control that can impact their health,” he said.

About four years ago, LifeBridge Health assumed responsibility for and invested nearly $85 million in what is now Grace Medical Center (formerly Bon Secours Hospital) in West Baltimore, a community where the population struggles with many of those social determinants.

“We recognized that it was really our calling, our obligation to take [the hospital] and develop it into something that recognized its role in West Baltimore and recognize the diverse community it serves, and create something that would provide even more services than had historically been provided,” he said.

“It's been an absolute win-win, because it's shown us the impact of having the appropriate clinical services can have on the health of a community.”

As part of the acquisition, LifeBridge Health also launched the West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation. The Foundation issues small grants to organizations in West Baltimore that work to improve food access, public safety, education, and other social determinants of health.

Last year, LifeBridge Health opened AffirmCare, a primary care clinic in Baltimore County staffed with providers trained and highly knowledgeable in LGBTQIA+ health, “who really, truly understand the specific needs of the community,” Meltzer said.

Public health, Meltzer said, begins the minute you walk out the front door.

“When I walk out the front door of Sinai Hospital, you can cross four lanes of traffic and life expectancy goes up 19 years,” he said. “That should never be the case. Your zip code shouldn't determine how long you live.”

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Wayne Carter: wayne.carter@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)