Judith Watson, MPH '07, Recognized for Saving Gunshot Victim
Watson, Honored at SHSP Faculty Meeting, Saved Man Who Arrived Unexpectedly at Westchester Community Health Center
When asked why they chose to pursue a career in health care, many medical professionals will respond with the same answer: “to make a difference.” For Judith Watson, M.P.H. ’07, RN, she was reminded of why she chose her profession on March 24, 2023. A nurse by trade, Watson worked her way up to become chief executive officer of the Westchester Community Health Center (formerly Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center). On that day in late March, she, like many CEOs, was the last person in the office. Around 6:15 p.m., a gunshot victim scurried into the luckily unlocked health center to find Watson. She quickly began treating the victim’s wounds and called for assistance. The victim survived thanks to Watson’s training and quick-thinking. Her courageous act was recognized at the School of Health Sciences and Practice (SHSP) faculty meeting on June 6, 2023, with an award for rapid lifesaving response in our community.
Watson was presented the award by Robert W. Amler, M.D., M.B.A., dean of SHSP, and vice president for government affairs. “You never know when an emergency might happen right before your eyes, or how and if you’ll be ready to respond,” said Dr. Amler. “Judith sprang into action and tended to a gunshot victim without a thought for her own safety. We all feel great pride and thankful for her swift lifesaving response.”
In an interview with News 12 Westchester, Watson described the events of that evening. "I get downstairs, and the gentleman is standing. He had been shot in the right thigh. He was able to tell me everything. He was chased. They fired multiple shots. And he ran into the health center.”
"These folks shot multiple times, they intended to kill him and because we were here, he ran into the health center, and we saved him and rescued him and stabilized him. It makes me so proud," said Watson.
An important part of Westchester Community Health Center’s mission is to ensure that quality health care is available to everyone in the community. They are especially focused on reaching higher-risk and underserved populations. With fearless leaders like Watson at the helm, the center will continue to make great strides in community service, accessible health care and social justice.
In addition to the award from SHSP, Watson was recently named to Crain’s New York Business 2023 Notable Leaders in Health Care list. She led the center through the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as the only walk-through testing center in the area. She also helped set up the first Mpox vaccination program in Westchester County.
