Aug 5, 2026
August 5, 2026 (Rochester, NY) – Trillium Health is proud to announce that Christopher Sardella, Board Member at Trillium Health, has been selected by the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) to receive the Dorothy Kartashevich Award, one of three statewide advocacy awards presented during National Health Center Week. The Dorothy Kartashevich Award is given to a consumer board member who has worked tirelessly on behalf of their health center and the communities it serves.
Christopher Sardella was nominated by Jason Barnecut-Kearns, President and CEO of Trillium Health, in recognition of his nearly nine years of dedicated board service, steadfast advocacy for accessible and affordable healthcare, and commitment to ensuring the voices and experiences of patients remain at the center of organizational decision-making. Since joining the Trillium Health Board of Directors in 2017, Sardella has held several leadership roles, including Chair of the Legislative Committee and, most recently, Governance Chair and Board Secretary. As both a board member and a patient of Trillium Health, he has brought a unique and invaluable perspective to advancing the organization’s mission of providing compassionate, judgment-free care for all.
“Christopher exemplifies the values that define community health centers,” said Jason Barnecut-Kearns, President and CEO of Trillium Health. “His leadership, advocacy, and genuine commitment to ensuring every person has access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare have strengthened our organization and improved the lives of countless patients. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized with this well-deserved statewide honor.”
In addition to his leadership on the board, Sardella has been a vocal advocate for community health centers and healthcare access. Earlier this year, he authored an opinion piece in support of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and has shared his personal experiences through Trillium Health media campaigns, helping raise awareness of the importance of welcoming, affirming healthcare and encouraging others to seek the care they need.
The award was presented during Trillium Health’s National Health Center Week celebration on August 5 at 170 Science Parkway. CHCANYS leadership joined Trillium Health leaders to present the award alongside health center staff, board members, and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.
“New York’s community health centers are built on advocacy, service, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve,” said Rose Duhan, President and CEO of CHCANYS. “Christopher Sardella reflects the very best of that mission, and we are proud to recognize his contributions during National Health Center Week.”
"Thank you to Trillium Health and CHCANYS for this recognition,” said Christopher Sardella. “I am honored by this award and have been privileged to serve as a board member for all these years. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of Trillium Health, a remarkable organization whose compassionate care makes a meaningful difference in our community.”
National Health Center Week is an annual celebration of the essential role community health centers play in providing high-quality, affordable care to millions of people across the country. In New York, community health centers serve one in eight New Yorkers at nearly 900 sites statewide.
About Trillium Health
Trillium Health is a community health center providing compassionate, judgement-free, and affordable care to everyone. With deep roots in the LGBTQ+ community, Trillium Health is dedicated to reducing health disparities by providing access to high-quality healthcare in the Greater Rochester area. For more information, visit trilliumhealth.org.
About CHCANYS
New York State’s community health centers are served by the Community Health Care Association of New York State, the statewide association representing community health centers and providing advocacy, training, and technical assistance. Learn more at chcanys.org.