Public Health Leadership Award Presented to Max Fripp
Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) has presented the Alfred Frechette Award to Max Fripp, MEd, Executive Director, Playworks Massachusetts, in recognition of his outstanding leadership to create safe, inclusive school environments that allow kids to learn, play, and thrive.
In presenting the award, MPHA cited Fripp’s extraordinary initiative and leadership in creating healthy and vibrant schools.
“Mr. Fripp is responsible for the successful play of hundreds of children throughout Massachusetts communities. His impact through Playworks provides students with a space for safe and healthy play,” said MPHA Executive Director Rebekah Gewirtz. “And more importantly, his work is increasing the success of students in the classroom, and in life.”
Since Fripp joined Playworks in 2008, the program has grown from serving 14 Boston schools, to a statewide program partnering with 43 schools across the Commonwealth. In 2010, Playworks was recognized as a Social Innovator by Root Cause’s Social Innovation Forum. Prior to Playworks, Fripp spent four years at Citizen Schools, including two-years as an AmeriCorps Teaching Fellow at the Irving Middle School in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston.
About the Massachusetts Public Health Association
MPHA is a private, non-profit, statewide membership organization that promotes “action for equity in health” through advocacy, public education, community organizing, and coalition-building. Our focus is on policies and programs to prevent illness, disease, and injury, particularly to promote health equity among all communities. To achieve our goals, we strengthen the voice and power of public health by engaging new constituencies, broadening understanding of public health, and developing grassroots local leadership in order to promote strong public health policy.
MPHA annual Awards Breakfast honors visionary individuals and organizations that have made a lasting impact on public health in Massachusetts. Along with Mr. Fripp, the other 2015 awardees are: Benjamin Wood, MPH, Healthy Community Design Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Public Service Award; José Rafael Rivera, Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Support, LUK, Lemuel Shattuck Award; and Renée Boynton-Jarrett, MD, ScD, Founding Director, Vital Village Community Engagement Network and Pediatrician, Boston Medical Center, Paul Revere Award.
