Howard Brown Health Center each year honors members of the community who have illustrated their commitment and enthusiasm for the health and well-being of the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community. This year, the center will honor five people: Frank Oldham, Steven Phelps, Courtney Reid, Sean Susanin and Affinity. Howard Brown Health Center will present the awards at the its Annual Dinner and Silent Auction held Saturday Oct. 27 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers.
Until recently, Frank Oldham, Jr. was Assistant Commissioner in Charge of STD/HIV/AIDS for the City of Chicago Department of Public Health. Stephen Phelps has served on the Board of Directors of Howard Brown Health Center from 1993 to 2001 and during his tenure, has worked in many capacities. Phelps is currently a member of the Board of Chicago House.
Sean Susanin is an appraiser and president of Susanin’s AuctionSmart. Three years ago, Susanin approached Howard Brown to arrange a way his clients could donate items to benefit the clinic. Since then, weekly deliveries arrive from Susanin’s AuctionSmart at HBHC’s Brown Elephant.
As the Deputy Director of HBHC, Courtney Reid has proven her dedication to the mission of the Center for enhancement of the quality in lesbian, gay and bisexual health care. From December 2000 until July 2001, Reid served as the Interim Executive Director. As the only organization dedicated to specifically addressing the needs of African-American lesbians and bisexual women, Affinity serves the community as no other organization can.