LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – A University of Louisville Health worker is being honored for her dedication to serving patients impacted by gun violence.
Kiara James was presented with the 2025 “Kelsie Small Future Healer Award.”
It recognizes UofL Health workers who show excellence in their care and commitment to education.
The award was created to honor Kelsie Small, a Central High School grad and Northern Kentucky University nursing student who was killed back in 2020.
The recipient, Kiara James, has worked with UofL Hospital for five years, starting as one of the only Community Health Workers.
“My full-time job is to support patients within the hospital, but outside of the hospital, I continue to do this work with the nonprofit, pushing forward that helps individuals with spinal cord injuries just navigate their daily lives. Whether we are building ramps, whether we are helping individuals with spinal cord injuries find housing, I continue to do this work whether I’m inside a hospital setting or in the community,” James said
James also started a survivor support group for gun violence victims which served nearly one hundred people last year.
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