Mary Washington Hospital Foundation Presents The Lawrence and Martha McMurtry Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Community

Fredericksburg, Va. – (December 21, 2017) – Mary Washington Hospital Foundation presented The Lawrence and Martha McMurtry Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Community Health and Wellness during an event held at Snowden House on Tuesday, December 12. The purpose of the awards is to recognize, encourage, and stimulate efforts to increase access, improve quality, and foster innovation in providing health and wellness services for the medically underserved in the region served by Mary Washington Hospital. This award honors the late Mr. and Mrs. McMurtry, whose personal time and generosity have bettered the quality of health care in our community.

Downtown Greens, a non-profit greenscape in the downtown area of Fredericksburg, received $5,000 and Andrew Milliken, who works with at-risk youth, was selected as the individual award winner. $5,000 was awarded to Stafford Junction in honor of the work Mr. Milliken has accomplished.

Downtown Greens is a 2.8 acre urban greenspace that is open to the public and offers programs that attract residents from several low-income housing complexes. There are both adult and youth programs that provide education about sustainable gardening techniques, healthy eating, and maintaining of the garden.

Stafford Junction is a faith-based non-profit organization that serves high-need children, youth and their families residing in Stafford County. Their mission is to transform lives through faith and action, while partnering with local churches, service agencies, and businesses to foster understanding across socio-economic lines. Andrew Milliken, his wife, and two children are deeply passionate about affecting change and chose to sell their home and move into a low-income neighborhood in order to better serve and build relationships with the at-risk youth and families in the area. Andrew has served as a proactive force in the community, meeting needs that have led to better health and overall wellness of the local children.