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Health Access Hero Awards

Recognizing and supporting individual change makers and nonprofit organizations working to increase access to vital health services and improve health outcomes

Health Access Hero

The Oral Health and Diabetes Connection

There is a close link between oral health and diabetes that is often overlooked.

Many at-risk communities lack access to preventive oral health care and regular dental exams, which can significantly impact overall health and lead to other health issues.

Diabetes also disproportionately impacts underprivileged communities, and when poorly managed, can lead to severe medical conditions, including cardiovascular and kidney disease.

We combined our expertise in oral health and our longstanding commitment to diabetes prevention for a two-pronged philanthropic focus. We foster people, programs and innovation that will increase access, make health and benefits easier and improve health outcomes for those who need it most.

Dentist with patient

About the Health Access Hero Awards

There are two Access Hero Award tracks shining a light on work to improve access and health outcomes for communities in need: Grants for nonprofits to support and fund impactful programs, and Nominations to recognize unsung Heroes that have made a significant impact in their communities. Areas of focus include:

  • diabetes prevention, awareness and education
  • diabetes management and care
  • treatment and recovery support for diabetes-related complications
  • obesity prevention
  • nutritional programs: awareness and education 
  • nutritional programs: access and food insecurity
  • oral health equity and access
  • children’s oral health care
  • oral disease prevention and management
HAH logo

Now Accepting Applications!

Health Access Hero Grants

WHO: 501(c)(3) charities

WHAT: Organizations select from three grant options: $25,000, $50,000 or $100,000

HOW: Fill out the grant application below

Health Access Hero Nominations

WHO: Individuals who are already making a difference that needs celebrating. Both self- and third-party nominations are accepted.

WHAT: Those recognized receive a $10,000 donation to their charity of choice.

HOW: Nominate a hero below

Annual timeline

  • Application Submissions: Open Now! February 1 to April 30
  • Application Reviews: May 1 to June 30: Submissions are short-listed and national judging panel reviews final candidates
  • Recipient Notifications: July-August
  • Public Announcement: In September the selected recipients will be recognized and their efforts spotlighted on social media, the website and other marketing channels.

Learn about prior Health Access Heroes

Explore some of the innovation and impact we've showcased in the past and help us celebrate those making health access equitable for all.

Health Access Hero Awards - Grant Recipients

Health Access Hero Awards – Individual Recognition

Dentist with patient

Contact information

If you have any questions about the Sun Life Health Access Hero Awards, please email us at health.access.heroes@sunlife.com. Please note that we will not accept any applications via email. All applications must be submitted through online submission forms.

Preventistry Pulse

PREVENTISTRY PULSE

The newsletter designed for anyone who wants to improve oral health for themselves, their families, customers or communities.