Pastor Gerard Duncan, an outreach adviser for the UF Health Cancer Center, was honored with a University of Florida Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Award in recognition of his work advocating for health care in underserved neighborhoods.
Duncan, who serves on the Steering Committee of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Project CONTINUITY, is a social entrepreneur and civic engagement advocate, community event planner and community organizer. He is the senior pastor of Prayers By Faith Ministries in Gainesville and president of Innovative Dads Inc.
At the UF Health Cancer Center, he has worked in support of the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement’s initiative to increase cervical cancer screening in Southeast Gainesville.
“Pastor Duncan exemplifies the essence of community impact through his relentless pursuit of health equity in the face of cancer disparities,” said Jennifer Woodard, R.N., M.P.H., CCRP, director of community outreach and engagement at the UF Health Cancer Center. “His leadership is characterized by a rare blend of empathy and action, inspiring not only his congregation but the entire community to join hands in the fight against health inequalities. His impact extends beyond the pulpit, creating a transformative force that addresses the root causes of health disparities and uplifts the well-being of all members of our community.”
“His impact extends beyond the pulpit, creating a transformative force that addresses the root causes of health disparities and uplifts the well-being of all members of our community.”
Jennifer Woodard, R.N., M.P.H., CCRP
Duncan believes in establishing long-term, sustainable and respectful collaborations while bridging the gap and being a liaison between stakeholders and the community.
“The UF Health Cancer Center administration and COE team has exemplified how town and gown relationships can unequivocally become stronger when working collectively with community partners to improve access and equity of resources for all communities,” Duncan said.
The Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Award is named in honor of UF’s long-time former vice president for research and most recently executive chief of staff, Win Phillips, who spent 35 years maintaining UF’s bonds with local government and businesses and played a key role in creating Gainesville’s Innovation District, the UF technology licensing program and UF Innovate in order to cultivate economic transfer in Gainesville.
