Visionary Trailblazer Award
Founder and Former President & CEO, MHHC Verona Greenland
As the founder and former President & CEO of MHHC, Ms. Greenland transformed a $25,000 planning grant into a health movement that has uplifted generations of Bronx residents. Ms. Greenland is known to be a visionary public health leader whose unwavering commitment to health equity, social justice, and community empowerment laid the foundation for a transformative model of community-based healthcare, The Caring Place, Morris Heights Health Center.
In the early 1980s, the Bronx stood as a stark symbol of urban decay, grappling with poverty, the AIDS epidemic, and the aftermath of systemic neglect. From this landscape, Ms. Greenland founded MHHC in 1981 at the corner of Harrison and West Burnside Avenue, creating a safe, dignified space for underserved communities to access high-quality, culturally responsive care. What began as a modest storefront operation grew under her leadership into a robust network of nine health centers and 20 school-based sites, now serving more than 52,000 patients annually.
Throughout her tenure at MHHC, Ms. Greenland championed pioneering programs that reshaped care for underserved populations. From launching the first midwifery-run birthing center in a low-income urban community to leading national HIV/AIDS pilot programs replicated across the country, her leadership redefined what community health could look like in the face of adversity. She played a pivotal role in expanding access to maternal health, mental health, HIV/AIDS services, and chronic disease management, establishing MHHC as a nationally recognized institution and a powerful anchor for social change. Even after her retirement in 2015, Ms. Greenland’s legacy continues to shape the future. She spearheaded the creation of Harrison Circle, a $50 million mixed-use development that brought 70 units of senior housing and expanded healthcare services to the Bronx, cementing her vision for holistic, community-centered care. Her leadership also extended beyond MHHC, with service on the boards of the Community Health Association of New York State, Bronx RHIO, the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, and the Perkins Advisory Council at Bronx Community College.
This year’s Gala theme, On Zenith—inspired by The Wizard of Oz—celebrates the journey of courage, wisdom, and heart. Ms. Greenland’s path is a true embodiment of that ascent. With courage, she built hope where others saw despair. With wisdom, she designed care systems rooted in equity and dignity. And with heart, she empowered entire communities to rise. Her legacy continues to light the path forward—toward a healthier, more just future, where every person has the opportunity to reach their own zenith.
Civic Leadership Award
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse is a registered nurse who represents the 46th Council District in Brooklyn, covering the neighborhoods of Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Sheepshead Bay. Council Member Narcisse is Chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Hospitals and serves on the Committees on Health, Education, Parks and Recreation, Transportation and Infrastructure, Criminal Justice and the Subcommittee on COVID Recovery and Resiliency.
Mercedes was born in Saint Marc, Haiti and migrated to the United States as a teenager, settling in Brooklyn. She attended public high school in Brooklyn, and is a proud CUNY graduate. Prior to her election to the City Council in November, 2021, she worked as a registered nurse and was a small business owner.
In her first term as a Member of the New York City Council, Mercedes built a reputation as a fierce advocate for her community with a tireless work ethic. Her community office has notably become one of the highest in serving constituents in NYC, demonstrating her effectiveness and dedication.
As a member of the Council’s Budget and Negotiation Team, Mercedes has delivered unprecedented victories for District 46. She secured millions of dollars in city funding to upgrade and renovate parks, libraries and schools across the district. Mercedes also secured the funding needed to operate after-school programs, senior centers, and other community initiatives, greatly benefiting local residents.
In 2023, she championed strong legislation, notably a bill to enhance health outcomes for those with sickle cell disease and another to train NYPD officers in identifying and interacting with New Yorkers with autism. These initiatives reflect her commitment to addressing both health and social challenges, further cementing her reputation as a relentless advocate for her constituents.
Mercedes is a loving mother of four and a proud resident of the 46th district in Brooklyn. In November, 2023 she was re-elected to serve another two-year term beginning January 1, 2024.