LELIA SUMMERS MOORE, 2008 UNCG School of Nursing Distinguished Alumna

By Michelle Hines, University Relations

Lelia Moore describes herself humbly.

“I’m just a bridge builder,” she’s fond of saying.

But the School of Nursing Alumni Association recognizes the importance of those bridges. Moore, a 1971 graduate, received the School of Nursing’s 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award April 24 at the Proximity Hotel.

Moore, who launched the Congregational Nursing Program at Moses Cone Health System eight years ago, has established nurse programs in more than 50 area congregations. Programs pair nurses and churches to offer free health education, screenings and consultations.

“[These screenings] have made an impact in efforts directed to some of our economically challenged areas, and the Hispanic, Korean and Vietnamese communities among others,” Robert Hamilton, director of pastoral health care services at Cone Health System, said of her efforts. “The program has representation in congregations that cross ethnic/cultural, racial, denominational and social lines, and has served also to build relationship and understanding among diverse groups.”

Moore volunteers or serves on the boards of numerous area agencies, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, Greensboro Urban Ministry, HealthServe Ministry, the Triad Health Project, the adult center for enrichment, the Mental Health Association, the Substance Abuse Coalition and the Hospice Circle of Care. She recently worked with UNCG and NC A&T State University on a first-in-the-nation joint venture — pairing social work students with congregational nurses to meet community needs.