Sun Life U.S. and DentaQuest announce 2025 recipients of the Health Access Hero Awards

Core Points - Sun Life and DentaQuest announced the recipients of the 2025 Health Access Hero Awards, recognizing nonprofits and individuals enhancing health service access and outcomes for underserved communities [1][2] - The awards include grants for innovative health programs and individual recognitions, with over $3.5 million in grants awarded and more than 130 individuals recognized to date [2] Individual Winners - Dr. Douglas Cross expanded dental service access in Louisiana, implementing the state's first teledentistry program and positively impacting over 5,000 individuals [3] - Rashida Ferdinand improved preventive healthcare access in New Orleans by developing a healthy food hub and offering nutrition education [4] - Nancy Gaudet founded Type One Families to support parents of children with type 1 diabetes, creating multiple communities across Massachusetts [5] - Dr. Scott Miller improved dental care access in Virginia, serving over 8,000 patients and training 29 new dentists since 2020 [6] - Dr. Bradley Smith expanded mobile clinical operations in Arizona, serving uninsured patients and launching a diabetes management program [7][8] - Joshua Williams addressed food insecurity in South Florida, leading efforts that reached over 800,000 individuals and distributed over 8 million pounds of food [9] Grant Winners - Bay Area Community Health received $100,000 to fund a Diabetes & Oral Health Integrated Care program [10] - Breakthrough T1D was awarded $50,000 to support early detection of type 1 diabetes in underserved communities [11] - The Health Wagon received $50,000 for a diabetes management initiative at its dental clinic [12] - Independence Gardens was granted $25,000 to provide food and health education to over 10,000 children [13] - Karis Community Health received $100,000 to expand services in underserved counties [14] - Maine Community Integration was awarded $25,000 to support dental and health equity for immigrant families [15] - Monitor My Health received $50,000 to fund a mobile laboratory for chronic disease prevention [16] - Neighborhood Services Organization was granted $100,000 to address poor oral health outcomes in Oklahoma [17] - Oceana Community Health received $25,000 to improve diabetes and dental access in hurricane-affected areas [18]