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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

Meet the 2025 Health Access Heroes!

Each year, the Health Access Hero Awards from Sun Life and DentaQuest reveal stories of the amazing efforts by everyday people and teams giving their all in underserved communities across the country.

In 2025 we honor six individuals and nine organizations with $585,000 in grants and donations to support programs that offer mobile dentistry and diabetes management, to those that address food insecurity and nutrition in schools.

Rashida Ferdinand

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Sankofa Community Development Corporation

Nancy Gaudet

Founder, Type One Families

Dr. Scott Miller

Founder, Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center (AHCDC)

Joshua Williams

Founder, Joshua's Heart Foundation

Meet all heroes

About the Health Access Hero Awards

The Health Access Hero Awards are an extension of the philanthropic commitment by Sun Life and DentaQuest to address diabetes prevention, oral health care and wellness initiatives that improve health outcomes and expand access to care for vulnerable populations.

There are two Access Hero Award tracks.

Grants for nonprofits to fund programs driving sustainable change for long-term impact.
Nominations to shine a light on unsung Heroes who are making a difference in their communities.

Areas of focus include:

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

More than $3.5 million in grants has been donated and nearly 150 individuals have been recognized through the Awards.

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.

Want to Nominate a Hero or apply for a Hero Grant?

The 2026 Health Access Hero Awards will open next spring. Check back here for updates.

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

Applications closed

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

Nominations closed

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 accessible for all.

Health Access Hero Awards - Grant Recipients

Health Access Hero Awards – Individual Recognition

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.

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