Two NSCHC Leaders Honored at PACHC Community Health Conference

Dr. Dallas Malzi and Makenzie Guy recognized for outstanding contributions to patient care, healthcare quality, and community engagement.

l. to r.: Bethany Blackburn, CEO, Carilynn Alvarez Coulter, COO, Dr. Dallas Malzi, Mike Belgrove, Director of HR, Winter Epps, CFO

North Side Christian Health Center (NSCHC) announced that two members of its leadership team received prestigious awards from the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) at its annual conference. Dr. Dallas Malzi, NSCHC Chief Medical Officer, received the Outstanding Clinician Award, while Makenzie Guy, Clinical Site Manager at NSCHC's Northview Heights location, received the Voice for Community Health Award.

PACHC represents and supports a statewide network of community health centers operating at more than 450 locations and providing care to more than one million Pennsylvanians annually. The awards recognize individuals whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to service are making a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of Pennsylvania communities. The conference was held October 13 - 15 in Lancaster, PA.

"Having two members of our team recognized at the state level is an extraordinary honor for North Side Christian Health Center," said Bethany Blackburn, NSCHC Chief Executive Officer. "Dr. Malzi and Makenzie Guy exemplify what it means to serve others with compassion, dedication, and excellence. They approach their work with a genuine commitment to improving the health of our patients and strengthening the communities we serve. I could not be prouder of their accomplishments or more grateful for the leadership they bring to NSCHC every day."

Dr. Dallas Malzi, Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Dallas Malzi – Outstanding Clinician Award

Dr. Dallas Malzi was recognized for his exceptional clinical leadership, commitment to quality improvement, and dedication to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.

Dr. Malzi, a National Health Service Corps scholar, joined NSCHC in July 2020 as a pediatrician. He quickly distinguished himself through his willingness to take on additional responsibilities, becoming the health center's electronic health records superuser. His understanding of how clinical care, technology, and operations work together helped prepare him for a leadership role. In 2023, he was appointed Chief Medical Officer.

Today, Dr. Malzi oversees NSCHC's Medical Department and Quality Team, leading initiatives that strengthen patient care across the organization. As chair of the Quality Improvement Committee, he has helped establish a culture of continuous improvement, using reliable data, evidence-based practices, and collaborative problem-solving to improve patient outcomes.

Under his leadership, NSCHC has strengthened preventive care initiatives, including developmental milestone screenings for young children and screenings for social determinants of health. More than 75% of NSCHC patients are now screened for social needs, helping connect individuals and families with food assistance, legal services, and other essential community resources.

Known for his kindness, diplomacy, and thoughtful leadership, Dr. Malzi also serves as a mentor to future healthcare professionals. His commitment to pediatric education was previously recognized in 2025 with the Dena Hofkosh Excellence in Community Pediatric Education Award, honoring his work with residents from UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

"There is no better pursuit in medicine than serving those in need," said Dr. Malzi. "I have the privilege of working at an organization that is committed to providing excellent care to all, and I strive to impress upon all the learners that rotate through our clinic how rewarding a career in Federally Qualified Health Center medicine is."

Reflecting on his latest recognition, he added, "I am humbled and honored by this award and look forward to continuing my efforts at NSCHC. Everyone deserves to feel valued and cared for in our Northside community."

Makenzie Guy – Voice for Community Health Award

Makenzie Guy, Clinical Site Manager

Makenzie Guy was honored for her outstanding commitment to community engagement, expanding access to healthcare, and building meaningful relationships with residents of Northview Heights.

Since becoming Clinical Site Manager at NSCHC's Northview Heights location in July 2024, Guy has made it her mission to ensure that the clinic is more than a place to receive medical care. Through consistent engagement, listening to residents, and developing community partnerships, she has helped establish the clinic as a trusted resource for the entire neighborhood.

Working alongside the Northview Heights medical providers, Guy helped pilot a walk-in appointment program that proved so successful it was expanded to an additional clinic day. She also promotes free weekly blood pressure screenings, creating opportunities for residents to receive preventive care and identify potential health concerns early.

Her outreach extends beyond NSCHC's existing patient population. By collaborating with community organizations and connecting residents with resources that address health-related needs, Guy helps ensure that individuals and families receive support even when those services fall outside the health center's direct care.

Her efforts have contributed to significant growth in access to care. Since Guy assumed her leadership role, NSCHC's patient visits at Northview Heights have increased by 64%.

For Guy, the work is deeply personal and rooted in faith, compassion, and a desire to serve others. She encourages her colleagues to view their responsibilities not simply as additional work, but as opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

"To be given the opportunity to work out of our clinic at Northview Heights feels like one of those moments God has been preparing and shaping for you and you had no idea," said Guy. "I am bursting with energy and hope for this clinic! There are so many reasons to be so excited for this clinic, but I'm most excited to show up for this community."

A Shared Commitment to Community Health

While their responsibilities differ, Dr. Malzi and Guy share a commitment to the mission that guides North Side Christian Health Center: ensuring that every person has access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare, regardless of income, insurance status, or ability to pay.

Their recognition by PACHC reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also the dedication of the entire NSCHC team to removing barriers to care, improving health outcomes, and building healthier communities throughout Pittsburgh's Northside.

NSCHC congratulates Dr. Malzi and Makenzie Guy on these well-deserved honors and thanks them for their continued service to our patients and community.