SEQUIM — The Olympic Peninsula Healthy Community Coalition has awarded Eric Lewis, retiring chief executive officer at Olympic Medical Center, with a Community Champion Award for his “exemplary support” during the past several years.

Olympic Peninsula Healthy Community Coalition (OPHCC) is a nonprofit organization in Clallam County with more than 50 partners.

Since OPHCC’s inception in 2015, Lewis has passionately supported the organization’s mission of making the Olympic Peninsula a healthier place to live, learn, work and play, OPHCC representatives said.

“Eric was instrumental in our success in becoming a non-profit organization influencing over 20,000 citizens per year with our message to eat well and be active,” said Monica Dixon, PhD, a registered dietitian and co-founder of OPHCC.

“Eric’s leadership and energy helped bring many of our partners to the table to work collaboratively on our mission, and he led the helm to unite an alliance of local health care partners to help fund and ensure our work into the future,” she said.

“As a true champion in our community, Eric, and the legacy he leaves, will positively influence our lives and future generations.”

In receiving the honor, Lewis said, “I greatly appreciate this award from Olympic Peninsula Healthy Community Coalition. I am deeply committed to wellness and prevention in our community. All of us need to think about having healthy habits and helping others have a healthy lifestyle. I plan to continue this focus in the future.”