Kevin Giff received the 2024 School of Medicine Dean’s Performance Award for his community engagement work through the Community Practice Lab (CPL). The award honors Giff’s support of housing and community development initiative with HOPE NC and Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.
The Dean’s Performance Awards recognizes individual or group efforts that make significant contributions for each of the School of Medicine’s four strategic pillars. Kevin was recognized for his work in support of the School’s clinical pillar.
Over the past year, Kevin, a community program specialist at the CPL, has guided the development of toolkits for Habitat’s neighborhood engagement initiatives in the Rogers Road and Fairview communities in Orange County, developing plans tailored to each community and rooted in the everyday lived experience of community leaders. Kevin has also coordinated HOPE NC’s action team and workgroups, bringing housing, health services, disability, and aging advocates together to identify concrete steps and strategies to address the need for inclusive, accessible housing.
“Kevin has facilitated systemic opportunity for better quality of life and health outcomes for multiple vulnerable populations including low-income homeowners, historically marginalized communities, people with disabilities, and older adults,” said CPL Primary Lead Dr. Ryan Lavalley.
“I’m honored to receive this award and so grateful for the continued support of the Department of Health Sciences and the School of Medicine,” said Kevin. “Their encouragement and resources have been vital in our efforts to create such strong partnerships and lasting community impact.”