Annual Humanitarian Award winner announced

provided by Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.

The honor this year goes to Heather Lyons-Burney for her work in establishing a charitable pharmacy in Branson.

A pharmacist who has worked to provide prescription mediations to those without access is this year's recipient of the annual Humanitarian Award.

Heather Lyons-Burney is scheduled to be honored at the Association of Fundraising Professionals–Ozark Region Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day celebration on Nov. 28 at DoubleTree by Hilton, according to a news release. The Humanitarian Award is a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lyons-Burney is a volunteer pharmacist and board president for My Neighbor’s Charitable Pharmacy, which opened early this year in Branson and assists individuals in the region who lack access to medications due to insurance or income. Lyons-Burney also has a clinical practice site at Faith Community Health, located next door to My Neighbor’s Charitable Pharmacy, and she's an associate professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy.

“Her selflessness, innovative thinking and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others are qualities that deserve recognition and celebration,” said Kyle David, executive director of Faith Community Health, in a letter supporting her nomination.

The Humanitarian Award honors people in the community for excelling at serving others. The chamber organizes a committee to review nominations and select the annual recipient, and the winner receives a $5,000 cash award that typically is donated to charity.

Last year's Humanitarian Award recipient was Andrea Bishop, executive director of the Betty and Bobby Allison Ozarks Counseling Center, according to past reporting.