SalusCare CEO Kevin B. Lewis has been recognized by The News-Press as the “Trailblazer of the Year,” an award that he describes as a victory for every member of the SalusCare team and for patients who are better able to access treatment.
Kevin was among three finalists for the “Trailblazer” award, which is presented annually by The News-Press for innovativeness and creativity in solving community problems.
“It takes a number of people to blaze a trail,” Kevin said in accepting the award. Several members of the SalusCare Board of Directors and Kevin’s family were present at the January 16 ceremony at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Bonita Springs.
Kevin said the award reflects an increased awareness of addiction and mental health and the need for better services and treatment. The number of patients served by SalusCare increased by 10 percent for the first quarter after the merger of SWFAS and Lee Mental Health.
“We think we’ve made it easier for people to access care,” he said in accepting the award. “It’s not about us – it’s about serving the community better.”
The News-Press editors specifically mentioned the merger of SWFAS and Lee Mental Health into one organization as a primary reason for the award, although the nomination also mentioned his role in leading the $9 million campaign to build the Evans Avenue campus, his leadership of the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida during a challenging time, and his current presidency of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers.