Partners in Care Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes reform and improvements in health care policy, chose Francine Kaufman as the recipient of its 2006 Mathies Award and Kathleen Brown as its first Champion for Health.

Partners in Care Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes reform and improvements in health care policy, chose Francine Kaufman as the recipient of its 2006 Mathies Award and Kathleen Brown as its first Champion for Health. The Mathies Award is given to an innovative and creative leader in the professional health care community. Kaufman is a professor of pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine at USC and head of the Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. She has drawn attention to childhood obesity and diabetes throughout her career. The Champion for Health Award recognizes an individual who Contributes to the improvement of health care through citizen or corporate leadership. Brown, former state treasurer, is a senior advisor at Goldman Sachs and head of public finance. She also serves on the board of directors for the California Endowment, the California Women's Foundation and the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles board. She has promoted the need to address issues of access to health care.