Cambridge Health Alliance, HMS award honors Auerbach

John M. Auerbach, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, received the Ruth M. Batson Social Justice Award April 15 at Harvard Medical School’s “Reflection in Action: Building Healthy Communities” celebration. In front of an audience of hundreds of schoolchildren, the program’s founder, Joan Y. Reede, dean for diversity and community partnership at the School, presented the award to Auerbach.

The Ruth M. Batson Social Justice Award is given annually to individuals whose actions exemplify a commitment to social justice, civic engagement, the building of community, and the furthering of equity. Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), a community partner and Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate, helped to create this award.