Every year, the Dr. Virgilio Licona Community Health Leadership Award recognizes a Coloradan who is breaking down health barriers, changing systems, empowering their community, and fighting for health equity. Named for Dr. Virgilio Licona, this award is part of his legacy as a physician and expert in migrant health and rural healthcare delivery. The award recipient receives a $20,000 donation to the nonprofit of their choice along with a reception held in their honor, in their community.
As a nationally recognized advocate, Dr. Licona changed lives in Colorado in his role as a physician and expert on migrant health and rural health delivery. He was recognized for this work with inaugural Dr. Virgilio Licona Community Health Leadership Award in 2016.
In the years since presenting Dr. Licona with his namesake award, the Foundation has been fortunate to honor awardees working in food access, medicine, social justice, behavioral health, supportive housing, and social services. Just as there is no single path toward health equity, Licona Award recipients have come from many different backgrounds and fields; they are all united by their dedication to improving systems and creating equity in their Colorado communities.
Additionally, Licona Award nominees should do work that aligns with Foundation’s cornerstones, represents a community-based organization improving health outcomes. A full list of award and nomination criteria is available.
In our experience working with nonprofits, it can be difficult to get an on-the-ground changemaker to tout their own accomplishments. That’s why we’re asking YOU to nominate a deserving candidate to the Foundation. Nominating a dedicated, problem-solving, equity builder is a simple process:
- Step 1: Review the Dr. Licona Award criteria
- Step 2: Choose either the Spanish language or English language nomination form
- Step 3: In the nomination application, tell us a little about yourself
- Step 4: Tell us about the nominee
- Step 5: Tell us about the work the nominee does
We can’t wait to hear about the amazing work being done in your community and those who are doing it. The 2024 Dr. Virgilio Licona Community Health Leadership Award nomination applications are open from February 29 – March 29, 2024. If you have any questions about the nomination process, contact Brandi Dye at [email protected].