#United States #Sun Life #Wellesley #DentaQuest #Health Access Hero

Celebrating Health Access Heroes: 2025 Award Winners

On September 18, 2025, Sun Life U.S. in collaboration with DentaQuest, revealed the recipients of this year's Health Access Hero Awards. These awards acknowledge the noble efforts of nonprofits and individuals who are passionately dedicated to broadening access to health services and enhancing health outcomes for underserved communities. The awards emphasize critical healthcare areas such as education, treatment, and nutrition related specifically to oral health, diabetes, and obesity prevention.

Significant Contributions Recognized

David Healy, President of Sun Life U.S., expressed his pride in supporting numerous significant initiatives over the years. He stated: *"Sun Life and DentaQuest are committed to expanding access to care through philanthropic efforts that create substantial impacts on local communities. Congratulations to these Health Access Heroes who consistently strive to strengthen their neighborhoods and champion equitable health access for everyone."

The Health Access Hero Awards consist of two components: funding innovative health and wellness programs at community organizations and recognizing individuals who have made substantial impacts within their communities. Notably, individual award winners receive a $10,000 donation to a charity of their choice, translating into meaningful support for various causes. To date, the program has distributed more than $3.5 million in grants and acknowledged over 130 individuals nationwide.

2025 Individual Award Winners

1. Dr. Douglas Cross, DDS - Dental Director, EXCELth
Dr. Cross has been a pivotal figure in expanding dental services in Louisiana. As the Dental Director at EXCELth, he initiated the state’s first teledentistry program and launched a general dentistry residency program through NYU-Langone, addressing critical dental shortages in rural areas. His contributions have positively impacted the dental health of over 5,000 residents.

2. Rashida Ferdinand - Founder and CEO, Sankofa Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Rashida’s efforts in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward focus on improving preventive healthcare access. She is responsible for establishing a healthy food hub that enhances food justice by facilitating affordable, locally sourced produce and hosting educational programs on cooking, nutrition, diabetes prevention, and cardiovascular health.

3. Nancy Gaudet - Founder, Type One Families
Nancy was inspired to create Type One Families after navigating her son's type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Her initiative fosters community support among parents facing similar challenges, with growing parent communities across Massachusetts.

4. Dr. Scott Miller, DDS - Founder and Director, Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center
Dr. Miller has greatly enhanced dental care accessibility, treating over 8,000 patients and training 29 new dentists since 2020. His leadership has tripled clinical capacity at the center.

5. Dr. Bradley Smith, NMD - Medical Director, Arizona Mission of Mercy (MOM)
Dr. Smith has expanded mobile clinic operations to serve diverse underserved communities in Maricopa County for over two decades, developing a Comprehensive Diabetes Management program to assist the 56% of patients with type 2 diabetes.

6. Joshua Williams - Founder, Joshua's Heart Foundation (JHF)
Starting at the age of four, Joshua has pioneered efforts against food insecurity and has inspired over 60,000 young volunteers, distributing over eight million pounds of nutritious food to families in need across South Florida.

2025 Grant Winners

In addition to individual honors, several organizations received significant funding:

• - Bay Area Community Health, California - $100,000

Funds will support a program integrating oral health services with diabetes care.

• - Breakthrough T1D, California - $50,000

Funding will support a pilot program for early detection of type 1 diabetes in underserved communities.

• - The Health Wagon, Virginia - $50,000

This grant will assist in implementing diabetes management initiatives.

• - Independence Gardens, Texas - $25,000

Aiming to educate over 10,000 children on health and nutrition through hands-on experiences.

• - Karis Community Health, Tennessee - $100,000

Funds will extend operations aimed at providing essential health services to additional underserved counties.

The dedication and passion exhibited by this year’s Health Access Heroes highlight the ongoing efforts to foster health equity in communities throughout the United States. Their work embodies the spirit of community service and reflects the significant impact that targeted educational, nutritional, and health initiatives can have on individuals and families in need.

For further details on the Health Access Hero Awards and their recipients, please visit the dedicated website at DentaQuest Health Access Heroes.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is an internationally recognized financial services organization offering a range of asset management, wealth, insurance, and health solutions. Its impact spans numerous global markets, affirming its commitment to community well-being.

About DentaQuest

DentaQuest, operational under Sun Life U.S. Dental, is focused on enhancing the oral health of all through impactful, preventative care solutions. The organization manages benefits for approximately 35 million people and strives for health equity across the nation.