Stephen Bickel, a physician with limitless involvement in health care initiatives for the poor and less-abled, is the Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year. Bickel received the honor at a Hammock Dunes Club banquet last month.
The recognition is awarded annually by the Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation to recognize those who have made a substantial contribution to the community in personal time, energy, and financial support. Bickel seems to manage all three without let-up.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation,” he said. “I truly enjoy the association with them and our common goal of taking care of those that live in our community.”
Bickel has been a Flagler County resident since 2011, where he first started caring for patients at the Flagler County Free Clinic, the initiative founded by the late Faith Coleman. He is also Flagler County’s local medical consultant of Florida Hospital’s Community Care program, an initiative that helps uninsured and underinsured patients manage multiple chronic illness and live healthier despite multiple barriers.
As medical director of the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County and the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, he has been instrumental in a variety of initiatives, including overseeing a high-quality HIV program and a chronic Hepatitis C program. Bickel and his colleagues in Flagler are currently developing a certified diabetes education program that will launch in early 2019.
Bickel also helped develop and create Flagler Cares, an organization that focuses on developing a social safety net infrastructure in the community, including suicide prevention, and is a founding member and Gold Member of the Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation’s 20/20 Society.
“This award is very important to our Foundation,” said John Subers, Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation director. “We honor someone who not only supports Florida Hospital Flagler, but also gives of themselves to the community. It is obvious that Dr. Bickel does so much for the healthcare in our community.”
Previous Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation Humanitarians of the Year include: Florida Hospital Flagler Auxiliary and the Florida Hospital HospiceCare Volunteers (2017); Dennis and Laurie Alter (2016); Peter and Sue Freytag (2015); Tony and Dottie Papandrea (2014); Charles M. Helms (2013); Kathy McKenna (2012); Annie W. Woodard (2011); Elmer C. Stainbrook (2010); and Jerald K. Tranzow (2009).
snapperhead says
Congratulations Dr. Bickel, This county, and country, needs more people willing to help the less fortunate, especially when it comes to health care.
tulip says
It is a pleasure to read about someone who gives of himself and makes the time to give care and help to those who need it, instead of reading about people who “take” rather than give. Congratulations on your award, you deserve it.
John Sbordone says
A well deserved honor to one of our County’s true heroes. Congratulations Steven. Appropriately you exemplify George H W Bush’s 1000 Points of Light.
Gretchen Smith says
Congrats, Dr. B! Thanks for making it easy to promote all the great work you do!