2005 VIDA Hispanic Health Leadership Awards.

The 2005 VIDA Hispanic Health Leadership Awards were presented last evening in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. “The new American demographics and new health challenges require excellence from our leadership. This year’s VIDA Award recipients have met that challenge and represent the best of each of the elements of the VIDA Award — Vision, Innovation, Dedication, and Advocacy,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance), the nation’s leading Hispanic health advocacy group.

The 2005 VIDA Awards were presented to:

— Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) for leadership on the Medicare Modernization Act, principled stand opposing legislative moves that would have required doctors to report on patient’s immigration status, and support for a strong FDA equipped with the tools it needs to protect America’s health.

— Representative Grace Flores Napolitano (D-CA, 38th) for leadership on mental health issues, including establishment of the Congressional Mental Health Task Force and legislative efforts to address suicide attempt rates among Hispanic girls, and efforts promoting environmental health.

— Dr. Janet Woodcock, Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Chief Operating Officer of the Food and Drug Administration for her commitment to service; expansion of consumer roles in FDA decision-making; and fostering innovative collaborations of technology, providers, and consumers.

— Dr. James Firman, President and CEO of the National Council on the Aging for his strong and steady voice on behalf of the underserved and for his public policy courage in creating the Access to Benefits Coalition which has delivered benefits counseling to millions of Medicare beneficiaries.

— Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, represented by the Executive Director Stocky Clark, for the Camps achievement in delivering a camping experience, free of charge, to over 100,000 seriously ill children and in the process brightening lives and lifting worry.

— Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz de Valdez, founder and CEO of Concilio Latino de Salud, Inc., a non-profit, community-based organization serving Maricopa County, Arizona for her principled leadership delivering services and challenging systems in the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, her commitment to service to Hispanic youth and families, and for the spirit of inclusion and love that is exhibited by the extraordinary work of Concilio Latino de Salud.

“Public service is a noble calling and tonight’s VIDA Award Honorees demonstrate the best in that calling,” said Ambassador Margaret M. Heckler, Alliance Board Member and former Secretary of Health and Human Services at last evening’s VIDA Awards ceremony.

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation’s oldest and largest network of Hispanic health professionals. The nation’s action forum for Hispanic health, Alliance members deliver services to over 12 million persons every year making a daily difference in the lives of Hispanic communities. For more information, visit the Alliance’s website (http://www.hispanichealth.org) or call 1-866-SU-FAMILIA (1-866-783-2645).