Dave Edwards has been a volunteer for Health Access since December of 2013.  Health Access became a Hilltop program in 2012 shortly after the enactment of the Affordable Care Act.  Hilltop needed the help of volunteers like Dave to provide community outreach and help educate the community about the Health Access program and provide some assistance in understanding the rules and regulations of the Affordable Care Act.  It took a lot of work in the beginning to get the word out, especially to those who needed health care coverage the most. Dave and a small group of volunteers would scour the community going out to parks, the soup kitchen, free clinics, anywhere they could find people who might need and/or qualify for  free or low cost health coverage.

Health Access and the Affordable Care Act have been going strong for 10 years now.  Dave is our only original volunteer who continues to get the word out.  Although Health Access does not rely on volunteers as much as in the beginning, Dave serves four hours a month spreading the word through his other volunteer position at the Catholic Outreach.

Dave mans the front desk at the Catholic Outreach and part of his responsibility is providing information on community resources.  Dave gives out Health Access information specifically for people who mention that they need health coverage or help finding a doctor. He also has our brochures and business cards to make referrals easier.

In addition to volunteering , Dave has shown his dedication to our community through his civil service.  He served on the Palisade Town Council, ran for Mesa County Commissioner and served as Mayor Pro Tem for the town of Palisade. He currently serves as an election Judge for Mesa County.

Dave believes that Mesa County will be healthy and strong when everyone is treated with respect and has the ability to fulfill their dreams.  His dedication to those of our community who have fallen on hard times shows the he lives his values and embodies those of Hilltop.

“Dave has been Hilltop’s Health Access Champion from the beginning and has been serving the community we serve right along with us this whole time.  He is an example of the type of people we are lucky to have as Hilltop volunteers and we are truly grateful to have him and the example he serves in the community as an advocate for our program,” says Anna Cubel, Health Coverage Guide.

Dave is truly deserving of this recognition. Thank you for your service and congratulations!