George Washington University has announced that professor James Lebovic and his wife, veterinarian Holly Gill, have provided a significant donation to establish a center focused on community health in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Gill-Lebovic Center for Community Health in the Caribbean and Latin America, named after the couple, will leverage the relevant research, expertise, and experience in GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health and across the university, creating a permanent legacy of improved health outcomes across the region, including Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. The couple are avid travelers and began taking trips to the Caribbean and Latin America to help animals in areas where veterinarians are almost nonexistent. 

“We knew that it would be difficult for the veterinary work to continue after we are gone because you need an active presence,” said Lebovic, a professor of political science at the university. “It seemed natural to do something with public health. Our primary interest is in community health programs that link to local organizations in these countries and can provide an immediate, direct return.” 

“We are thrilled with this generous gift that will allow us to launch the Gill-Lebovic Center for Community Health in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Lynn R. Goldman, the Michael and Lori Milken Dean of the Milken Institute. “This novel interdisciplinary center will boost the work of faculty who are committed to working with communities in the Caribbean and Latin American region. The center will conduct research to identify opportunities to improve health outcomes, train students and health professionals and create sustainable models for healthier communities in the region now and in the future.”

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/SDI Productions)