November 2014
The GCMSA presented a 3-day program highlighting the work of Rick Guidotti and the non-profit organization he founded, Positive Exposure. By utilizing the visual arts, Positive Exposure has significantly impacted the fields of genetics, mental health and human rights by lecturing to advocacy organizations/NGOs, medical schools, universities and other educational institutions to effect a sea-change in societal attitudes towards individuals living with genetic differences. He uses photography and video to transform public perceptions of people living with genetic, physical and behavioral differences – from albinism to autism. This 3-day program included lectures to health care students, physicians and the general public, complete with a gallery exhibit of Rick's photography as part of Positive Exposure. Additionally, Rick spent a day and a half photographing children from Greenville's Wonder Center, Washington Center and patients of the GHS Children's Hospital. Parents of the children were given proofs of the photos for free and many were presented with framed versions of photos as part of a ceremony at a later date.
Greenville News Coverage: www.greenvilleonline.com
The GCMSA wishes to express their gratitude to the Greenville Health System, the Greenville Health System Children's Hospital, members of the GCMSA, the Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, the Greenville County Medical Society, and other individuals who have helped make this event possible through their generous sponsorships and donations.
The GCMSA was honored to accept the prestigious 2015 American Medical Association Alliance (AMAA) Health Awareness Promotion (HAP) Award for Community Service/Health Education at the AMAA Annual Meeting in Chicago on behalf of their work with this project. They also accepted the 2015 South Carolina Medical Association Service to the Community Award, 2015 South Carolina Medical Association Alliance Health Awareness Promotion (HAP) Award for Health Education and Community Service, and 2015 Southern Medical Association Health Education Award of Excellence.