Carolyn Boone Lewis Award for Improving Health Outcomes

The Carolyn Boone Lewis Award for Improving Health Outcomes will recognize excellence in applying data-informed strategies to effectively improve health outcomes for all. Hospitals and health systems have an opportunity to demonstrate how they are implementing promising practices that reduce disparities in health outcomes.

How to Apply

To apply for the award, a hospital or health system must be an AHA member in good standing.

Winning organizations will share quantifiable impact across the hospital, health system and committees served, with a clear connection to improved health outcomes. One winner and two finalists will be selected for the Carolyn Boone Lewis Award for Improving Health Outcomes. The award will be presented at the 2027 AHA Leadership Summit in San Diego.

Applications open on Sept. 4, 2026 and are due Dec. 4, 2026, 11:59 PM ET. Winners will be notified on May 5, 2027. 

Preview the application.

For questions, please contact CBLHealthOutcomes@aha.org.

About Carolyn Boone Lewis

The award is named in honor of Carolyn Boone Lewis, a passionate and tireless advocate for reducing disparities in health outcomes. Her work in health care began with the U.S Department of Health and Human Services and continued along as she served on the boards of the D.C. Hospital Association, National Forum of Women Healthcare Leaders and the D.C. Mayor’s Health Policy Council. In 2000, she was named chairman of the national trustee's board of the American Hospital Association, becoming the first African American to chair the board.