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American Red Cross Central Virginia has presented the 2026 Healthcare Hero Award to the UVA Health University Medical Center interdisciplinary Obstetrics, and Maternal and Fetal Medicine teams. The organization says the award recognizes “remarkable heroes … who saved a life, performed an act of courage, or unselfishly serve and give inspirational leadership to our community while raising much needed funds to continue the American Red Cross mission of providing disaster relief to those in their darkest hour." 

The chapter bestowed the award at a “Celebration of Heroes” on May 13 at The Center at Belvedere in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"This incredible group isn't just working within the walls of the UVA Health University Medical Center,” hails Jason Lineen, MBA, interim Chief, UVA Health Children’s, and Chief Strategy Officer, UVA Health. “They’re actively stepping up to address the growing crisis of maternity deserts in Central, Southern, and Southwest Virginia.”

He adds: “In an era in which maternal care is becoming harder to access in rural areas, this team is working tirelessly to ensure no mother or baby is left behind. I’m constantly inspired by my colleagues' dedication to expanding access and delivering world-class care to every corner of our state.” 

Robin Longo, MSN, RN, C-EFM, Nursing Director, UVA Health Children's and Inpatient Women's Services calls maternity care a true, full circle experience. “From the initial confirmation of pregnancy and early prenatal care in our ambulatory clinics, through admission to Labor and Delivery and the Mother-Baby inpatient units, and ultimately returning for postpartum follow-up visits in the outpatient setting — our patients are supported at every step of their journey."

She adds: "Across this continuum, our dedicated teams of nurses and physicians work collaboratively to ensure that women throughout Virginia have access to a safe, reliable, and high-quality care environment. Their commitment to excellence and patient-centered care is central to our mission and reflects the outstanding standard of care provided across our hospital system. UVA Health is well-positioned and ready to support this population of women, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to comprehensive, high-quality maternity care."

Kristin L. Atkins, MD, FACOG, serves as Medical Director of Inpatient Obstetrics and Associate Professor, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UVA School of Medicine: "As the smaller hospitals in our region have chosen to end their coverage of obstetric care, we have been available to the patients as they navigate farther distances to care. We also are the primary referral center for the region for babies who have birth defects. We are able to provide these patients with comprehensive care and prepare them for what to expect when the baby is born by meeting with the pediatric teams who will care for the baby."

She adds: "When these patients are present on Labor and Delivery, we are able to provide support to these families through the delivery process and support them after birth while they navigate neonatal care."

Congratulations to these teams supporting our UVA Health mission of transforming health and inspiring hope for all Virginians and beyond!