Hospital ambassador recognized for community advocacy

Hospital ambassador recognized for community advocacy

L to r: NBHD Commissioner Clarence McKee, Reverend Marguerite K. Luster and Broward Health Community Health Services Vice President Jasmin Shirley.

Submitted by Audra Hodges

     To provide the best health care, you need people with vision. The North Broward Hospital District (NBHD), the governing board of Broward Health (BH), recognized Rev. Marguerite K. Luster as one of those people when the Board of Commissioners presented her with the first Community Relations Council (CRC) Appreciation Award on Sept. 24, 2012.

    The award, which was commissioned and presented by Commissioner Clarence McKee, was created to acknowledge CRC members who represent the epitome of advocacy, dedication and service to the mission of BH and to the community.

    Broward Health Community Health Services (BHCHS) selected Rev. Marguerite K. Luster as the first recipient for her tireless efforts on the CRC and as a representative for the interests of the entire community.

    “Marguerite is a true community advocate,” said Jasmin Shirley, vice president of BHCHS. “She continues to come to the table with ideas, comments and solutions on how we can make this community stronger and ensure everyone has access to quality health care. We are all grateful for her hard work and are happy to present her with this expression of our appreciation.”

    Luster, who has been on the council since 1993, is an active ambassador for BH North and the Annie L. Weaver Health Center in Pompano Beach. At the September Board of Com-missioners’ meeting, she was presented with a plaque, a gift basket filled with BH novelty items and a free massage gift certificate to the Wellness Center at Broward Health Medical Center.  

     “I am truly surprised and humbled by recognition from Broward Health,” Luster said. “To think about my community service being acknowledged in this way makes me feel deeply appreciated. I felt like royalty when the award was presented to me.”

     Luster is known throughout northern Broward County as a community activist and leader. She is an assistant pastor of The House of God of Pompano Beach. She also serves as president of the local missionary department and as a teacher of Sunday Bible School within the church. 

     She is an active member of The City of Pompano Beach Northwest CRA Advisory Board, Community Action, Inc.’s Advisory Board, president of the Liberty Park Homeowners Association and a former member of the Sunshine Health Center Board of Directors. Luster received a community service proclamation on International Women’s Day from Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. She also was awarded The Luther J. McNeil Community Service Award from former Florida Senator Mandy Dawson for her noteworthy work in the community.