Judy Bentley, BSN, MA, and Missouri State Senator Lincoln Hough have dedicated their personal time and professional talents toward improving the health of children. In recognition of these important efforts, they will receive St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s 2023 Advocacy Awards.
For over three decades, Bentley served as the founder, president and CEO of Community Health and Partnership Services (CHIPS), a non-profit that provided primary health care and social services programs for uninsured and underserved women, children and their families. Under Bentley’s leadership, CHIPS developed numerous partnerships with community residents, service agencies, hospitals, local merchants, medical schools, churches, schools and civic organizations. CHIPS is also one of the first clinics in the country to offer a unique program designed to focus on social isolation in the senior population. Additionally, CHIPS launched “Club CHIPS,” an outreach program for high school students to help teach health issues to their peers.
Bentley has continued to apply herself by donating her talents and time to cultural, community development and human services organizations. She serves on the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Community and Faith Advisory Board (CFAB) and is a long-standing member at Saints Teresa and Bridget Catholic Church.
Missouri State Senator Lincoln Hough (R-MO District 30) has been a member of the Missouri state legislature for 12 years. During his time in both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Senate, Sen. Hough has championed legislation that supports access to health care.
Last year, as the Senate Appropriations Committee Chair, Sen. Hough helped invest $8.7 million in public transit, which is a fundamental access issue for our patients, families and employees. This year, Sen. Hough is the legislative sponsor to reauthorize the Federal Reimbursement Allowance - a program that funds over four billion dollars of our state budget through the Medicaid program. Additionally, he has worked to make sure rural hospitals in Missouri can offer services to children and families without having financial hardship on the facilities.
“Judy and Sen. Hough have made a remarkable difference in the lives of children, families and individuals across our region and state, and we are incredibly grateful,” said Trish Lollo, president of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Their work and partnership help St. Louis Children’s fulfill our mission of doing what’s right for kids.
Established in 1994 by St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the Advocacy Awards recognize local and state leaders who leverage their positions, resources, and influence to do what’s right for kids. Previous recipients include Dr. Art McCoy, Missouri State Senator Brian Williams, Dr. Reverend Starsky Wilson, Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, Dr. Kelvin Adams, Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis, and Michael McMillan.
