LCCC Staff Honored at Community Health Centers of AR Annual Conference

Dr. Kellee Mitchell Farris, CEO and LaFay Broadway, Marketing and Outreach Director were honored at the 2020 Virtual Community Health Centers of Arkansas Annual Conference.

Kellee was honored with the Jack Geiger Vision award that recognizes an outstanding leader for demonstrating commitment to the ideals espoused by the father of the Community Health Center model. Having grown up in Marianna where her father worked as a dentist at Lee County Cooperative Clinic, Kellee graduated from Lee High School and with the idea of getting into sports medicine. She was working as a fitness trainer when a client urged her to broaden her health focus. She later received a doctorate in public health and returned home to LCCC where she serves as CEO.

Excerpts from a nomination letter: “Dr. Farris has the best interest of the community, patients, and employees at heart. She is constantly looking for ways to improve the clinic. She listens… and adapts to implement positive changes for the clinic and the patients. Dr. Farris has shown great leadership and has been hands-on with us since Day One of this pandemic. I remember one day when Dr. Farris was in a lot of pain, we kept insisting that she go home or at least go back inside to her office because it was extremely hot. Dr. Farris said, ‘No, I am not going to let you all be out in this heat and I sit in my office.’ … Dr. Farris is with us every step of the way.”

LaFay was awarded with the Community Hero award which honors a CHC staff or board member who significantly contributes to their community through their time, actions, talents,and dedication. LaFay serves as Marketing and Outreach Coordinator at Lee County Cooperative Clinic. She volunteers with
the Red Cross, the Local Food Bank, the Senior Citizen Center, and assists schools in the Lee County area. She was the president of the Marianna Alumni Chapter of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for seven years where she worked tirelessly to help those desiring to attend her alma mater.

Excerpts from a nomination letter: “LaFay is known in this community as a caring, helpful and go-to person. Her positive attitude and compassion have made a huge impact on how the community views LCCC. Whether it’s setting up radio/newspaper interviews or foot-soldiering to local businesses … LaFay spreads the word about LCCC with a smile…She reassures patients of how we prioritize patient safety. Our patients respect her and love her for always looking out for them.”

Congratulations Kellee and LaFay. The Lee County Cooperative Clinic are very proud of you both!