Congratulations to Kaiser Permanente’s Michael Detwiler, director of information and technology, who was selected as a 2024 winner for the David Lawrence Community Service Award.
Kaiser Permanente is proud of the way we care for our members and support our teams – and we are especially moved when we see teams bonding and showing up for our communities too. The David Lawrence Community Service Award recognizes dedicated individuals and celebrates the change they are contributing to.
For nearly eight years, Michael has been managing a team of volunteers with the Robert W. Coleman Elementary School in Baltimore, MD. What began with a project to donate used computers evolved into a strong sustained service opportunity where they support schools on many fronts.
For example, during the pandemic when in-person education was disrupted and students had to pivot to remote learning, Michael and his team provided the critical tech support to help students continue learning from home.
On average, Michael has committed more than 60 volunteer hours annually as a key volunteer at annual back to school events, projects, and holiday & winter coat drives. He has also set an incredible example for his colleagues and they too, have been inspired to volunteer.
In addition to playing an important role at the annual events and seasonal programs, Michael steps up year-round to coordinate drives for snacks or school supplies for students, many of whom would go without if not for his advocacy.
Over the years, Michael has grown into a leadership role by serving on the school’s advisory committee with other influential stakeholders from the city of Baltimore and local nonprofits that contribute to the success of the school.
His commitment and concern for the students and educators at Coleman Elementary School is unmatched, in the scope of services he has provided and the duration of his support. Congratulations to Michael on this tremendous and well-deserved honor.
About the David Lawrence Award
Since 2003, Kaiser Permanente has presented the David Lawrence Community Service Award to recognize outstanding community service efforts by employees and physicians who go above and beyond with acts of service to improve the health of our communities. Candidates must demonstrate compassion for others and commit their energy to making a true difference in the lives of others. The award is named in honor of David M. Lawrence, MD, a former chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente and a lifelong advocate for improving health. Every year, Kaiser Permanente makes a $10,000 charitable contribution on behalf of each winner to the nonprofit of their choice.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.