In 2023, we created Melissa L. Knabe Community Impact Award to honor our wonderful colleague. The award honors individuals that are making significant contributions to their community through time, actions, talents, dedication, and resources. These individuals serve as role models for compassion and service and strive to make their communities better places to live and work.

We are pleased to announce that our 2025 recipient of the Melissa L. Knabe Community Impact Award is Rebecca Carter! Rebecca’s long-standing commitment to community well-being and behavioral health has made a lasting impact across Florida. Her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy have touched countless lives, and her multiple nominations for this award reflect the deep respect and admiration she has earned from colleagues and community members alike.

As Associate Director of the FSU Area Health Education Center (AHEC) program, Rebecca has been a driving force behind the AHEC Behavioral Health Initiative. She has led efforts to train and support the behavioral health workforce, with a special focus on tobacco cessation for individuals with mental health and substance-use disorders. Her ability to build strong partnerships, mentor future healthcare professionals, and champion underserved populations has helped shape a more compassionate and effective healthcare system throughout the state. In addition to her role with AHEC, Rebecca has served as the local NAMI president, a Hang Tough faculty advisor and is a Mental Health First Aid instructor. She also teaches motivational interviewing to pre-med and social work students with the goal of improving future clients' experiences in behavioral health and medical settings.