Stafford Receives Humanitarian Award

CHAPEL HILL—Harry Stafford, MD, Associate Professor of Family Medicine, was the honored guest at a black-tie gala at the Dorothy & Roy Park Alumni Center at NC State University on May 18. Dr. Stafford received the 2019 Humanitarian Award from Christ Saves Hearts, a non-profit organization that promotes and advocates for awareness of heart health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities and other at-risk and underserved populations in North Carolina.

The organization released this statement on the selection of Dr. Stafford as their 2019 Humanitarian Award recipient: "We recognize his continued efforts in sports medicine and heart health. His efforts continue to impact our local communities and student-athletes across North Carolina." The gala honoring Dr. Stafford was a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting young scholars who have demonstrated perseverance and strength through academic and personal growth despite facing adversity dealing with heart disease. The funds also support their task force on sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and other initiatives that raise awareness of heart disease.

Since joining the UNC faculty in 2008, Dr. Stafford established and continues to lead one of the premier primary care sports medicine fellowships in the country. He is highly regarded as one of the most outstanding sports medicine physicians. His clinical work is widely recognized as excellent and he is on the cutting edge of new treatments in sports medicine.

"Dr. Stafford is a vital member of our medical team as we look toward future advancements in sports medicine care," said Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health Care & Dean of UNC School of Medicine. "He compliments his clinical work and teaching responsibilities with humanitarian work, increasing awareness of medical issues in communities in need and giving back with tireless volunteer work."

Dr. Stafford leads his fellows and residents in humanitarian work with the Durham Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, and local girls and boys clubs, to name a few of the many organizations he has served over the years. In addition, Dr. Stafford serves on the Health Ministry at his local church. It is this understated, but consistent work that led the Christ Saves Hearts organization to recognize Dr. Stafford.

"We are proud to have Dr. Stafford as an esteemed colleague on our team," said Cristy Page, Executive Dean of UNC School of Medicine. "We are thrilled he is receiving this important recognition."

In addition to his work at UNC, Dr. Stafford leads sports medicine care and training at North Carolina Central University. He also serves as a medical consultant for other local universities in the area.

University of North Carolina Athletics

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