Any of the following entities are eligible for a Solidarity for Health Equity award:

■ Individuals, whether or not they reside in Montgomery County

■ Nonprofit organizations, whether or not they have a 501c3 or official nonprofit status

■ Businesses, regardless of size

■ Faith-based organizations or initiatives

■ Informal networks, coalitions, or neighborhood groups, including social media groups and initiatives

Any of the above individuals or entities are eligible if either of the following criteria apply to them:

■ Their equity-related work has specifically impacted Montgomery County (all of their work has been within Montgomery County specifically)

OR

■ Their equity-related work includes other jurisdictions but has significantly included Montgomery County.

Nonprofit organizations, businesses, and other entities that are either based in Montgomery County or that operate in Montgomery County more than one day per week are eligible to receive awards

■ Award nominations may come from anyone, in or outside Montgomery County

■ Self-nominations are accepted

■ Anonymous nominations will not be accepted; applicants must provide reliable contact information for nominations to be considered

■ Nominations will be reviewed by the 2022 Solidarity for Health Equity Awards Selection Committee, which is comprised of members of the public, healthcare leaders, representatives from Montgomery County HHS, MCAC-DST, HIV advocates, and social justice advocates

■ Awards will be scored on an applicant’s ability to articulate the nominee’s commitment to equity work in its various forms

Applications will fall into two categories:

1. Demonstrated work to directly advance health equity in Montgomery County including either of the following:

■ Improving access to health and/or wellness services for members of populations/groups that have experienced disproportionately poor health outcomes or have historically and systematically been excluded from healthcare and related institutions

■ Improving health outcomes among populations/groups that have experienced disproportionately poor health outcomes or have historically and systematically been excluded from institutions

2. Demonstrated work to indirectly advance health equity by uplifting and supporting specific communities, populations or groups in Montgomery County that have experienced health disparities, poor health outcomes or have historically and systematically been excluded from healthcare and related institutions.

Awardees and nominees will be recognized by name at the World AIDS Day Solidarity for Health Equity Breakfast to be held on World AIDS Day, December 1st, 2022, 9am-11am at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Awardees will receive a commemorative placard. Neither nominees nor awardees will be compensated or receive any gifts or benefits for their award.