Barbara Scott Awarded Sagamore Of The Wabash

Aspire Indiana Health President & Executive Officer Barbara Scott has been named a 2023 recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest awards bestowed by the governor. It recognizes her 36 years as a public health advocate on behalf of underserved and at-risk Hoosiers.

The Sagamore was presented to Scott by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch at the recent conference of the Indiana Council for Community Mental Health Centers. Scott is retiring this summer after spending her entire healthcare career at Aspire.

“I am so humbled and grateful to receive the Sagamore of the Wabash. Like my peers at Aspire and other mental health advocates, we do not enter this field seeking accolades,” Scott said. “But the recognition from my friends and colleagues has truly touched my heart.”

Every Indiana governor has bestowed the Sagamore since Ralph Gates in the 1940s. It is a personal tribute given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state. The term “sagamore” comes from Native American tribes who used it to describe a wise person the leader of the tribe looked to for wisdom and advice.