The Joseph H. Neal Health Collaborative (JHN) is proud to announce its inaugural Heart of the People Awards Brunch, scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Segra Park. This event will honor the remarkable contributions of Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, a dedicated advocate for health equity, while also celebrating the legacy of Representative Joseph H. Neal, whose commitment to advocating for health equity in South Carolina has left an indelible mark on the community.
Founded in 2018, JHN is dedicated to promoting health equity and enhancing health outcomes for underserved communities across South Carolina. Through education, advocacy, testing, outreach, and referrals, JHN empowers
individuals to lead healthier lives. The Heart of the People Awards Brunch serves as a vital fundraiser to support JHN’s mission and expand its impact as it looks forward to a decade of service.
Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, known as “The Conscience of The House,” is
the longest-serving Representative in the South Carolina Legislature. Her historic public service includes being the first African American woman elected to statewide office and the only freshman legislator appointed to the influential House Ways and Means Committee, where she currently serves as ranking member and 1st Vice Chairwoman. Her leadership extends nationally as the former President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
“Honoring Representative Cobb-Hunter with the first-ever Heart of the People Award allows us to acknowledge her extraordinary contributions to our community and her unwavering commitment to health equity,” said Wilma Neal Garren, JHN founding board member and sister
