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Inaugural Health Advocacy Awards Launched

Today marks a significant milestone as Health unveils its first-ever Health Advocacy Awards, emphasizing the vital contributions of patient advocates, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in enhancing the landscape of health and wellness. This new awards program seeks to spotlight the inspiring stories of individuals who have not only overcome personal health challenges but also dedicated their efforts to uplift, educate, and inspire others within their communities.

Sara Michael, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Health, expressed excitement about the new initiative. She stated, "We are thrilled to announce this awards program to spotlight the bravery and passion of individuals who are willing to speak their truth, ensuring others feel seen, heard, and supported." With a legacy spanning over 40 years, Health aims to celebrate those who have significantly impacted the journey toward accessible and inclusive healthcare.

In an effort to carefully curate the list of nominees, the selection committee—comprising Health editors, patient advocate contributors, and members of the Medical Expert Board—conducted thorough research to identify advocates who exhibit tangible change on a large scale. Following an exhaustive review of potential candidates, ten exceptional individuals emerged as winners, acknowledged for their remarkable advocacy, lived experiences, and commitment to creating meaningful change in the healthcare sector.

Meet the Inspiring Winners

The following remarkable individuals have been recognized with the inaugural Health Advocacy Awards:
1. Hannah Bonam-Young – Author known for her book, Out on a Limb.
2. Patrick Dempsey – Renowned actor and founder of the Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing.
3. DeMar DeRozan – Six-time NBA All-Star and author of Above the Noise My Story of Chasing Calm.
4. Suni Lee – Two-time Olympic champion gymnast advocating for kidney health awareness.
5. Paige More – Co-founder of The Breasties, an organization supporting and uplifting individuals affected by breast cancer.
6. Al Roker – Celebrated anchor of the TODAY Show and author of Al Roker's Recipes to Live By.
7. Sundeep Singh Boparai, MD – Operations manager of the Transgender Program at Northwell Health.
8. Virginia Sole-Smith – Notable author focusing on body image and parenting critiques in the faces of diet culture.
9. Darien Sutton, MD – Emergency medicine physician and featured contributor for Good Morning America.
10. Gabrielle Union-Wade – Award-winning actress and advocate for women’s health issues.

Insights from Health Leaders

Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, Chief Medical Officer at Health, emphasized the importance of recognizing these advocates: "Recognizing the efforts of health advocates is vital to advancing public health and creating lasting change. This year's honorees demonstrate unparalleled dedication to creating a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare landscape."

The introduction of the Health Advocacy Awards is more than just an acknowledgment of individual efforts; it serves as a call to action for more people to engage in advocacy and support healthcare inclusivity.

By lifting these voices, Health reiterates its mission of providing evidence-based health information that meets the needs of diverse communities. Health is committed to helping individuals navigate their health journeys, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need for informed decision-making.

To learn more about this groundbreaking initiative and to read up on the amazing journeys of this year's award winners, visit Health's official website, where their stories of courage and resilience are showcased. Health is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family and continues to serve as a trusted source for health and wellness education.