Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos named 2024 ‘Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health’ by USF College of Public Health
TAMPA, Fla. – Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos was named the 2024 “Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health” by the University of South Florida College of Public Health.
Haridopolos received the award at a ceremony on April 3.
Each year the award is given to a woman whose career accomplishments and leadership “contribute significantly” to the field of public health, according to a press release.
Haridopolos is a primary care physician, medical writer and philanthropist. She currently serves as chair of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation Board of Directors.
The corporation is a nonprofit, public-private partnership created by the Florida Legislature to “expand access to affordable, child-centered health insurance.”
“Dr. Haridopolos stands out with her unique combination of foresight and insight to advance meaningful outcomes toward the mission of providing comprehensive, affordable, quality healthcare for Florida’s children,” Dr. Steve Freedman, professor and associate director for policy development at the university’s Chiles Center, said.
Florida Healthy Kids Corporation’s CEO Ryan West said Haridopolos shared “two critical missions” of hers in working toward the corporation’s goal to reduce the number of uninsured children in Florida.
West said Haridopolos advocated for legislative change to make the Florida KidCare program “more affordable for working families” and develop “innovative ways” to secure better health outcomes for future generations.
“Her passion for helping others and dedication to implementing change are inspiring,” West said.
Rep. Robin Bartleman, D-Weston, said she worked with Haridopolos on HB 121, Florida Kidcare Program Eligibility, which was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June 2023.
The law, according to the press release, establishes a glide path for families by allowing them to keep subsidized coverage as they earn more, allowing the pursuit of financial stability without losing the government assistance that the families receive.
“It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Haridopolos, whose altruistic heart and dedication to making a difference for Florida families were ever apparent through this process,” Bartleman said.
Haridopolos said it is “nice to be recognized” but that is not why she does it, noting it is about “making a difference.”
“I do it because I have a supportive family who endlessly support my endeavors, I have a husband who has the leadership skills who I’ve learned from, I have my knowledge of medicine and my knowledge of the political process and how agencies work. So, I was able to marry all of those talents together to make a difference,” Haridopolos said.
Haridopolos said the award only motivates her to do more and she is “not stopping here.”
