Sun Life Seeks Health Heroes to Combat Oral Health, Diabetes Gaps

WELLESLEY, Mass. – February 05, 2026 – Sun Life U.S. and its dental business, DentaQuest, have officially opened the application and nomination period for the 2026 Health Access Hero Awards. The annual program is designed to identify, celebrate, and financially support the unsung heroes—both individuals and organizations—who are working on the front lines to close critical gaps in healthcare access across the United States, with a specific focus on oral health and diabetes.

Grant recipients can range from large hospitals and health clinics to small, grassroots community organizations, while individual honorees may be health providers, nonprofit directors, academic faculty, or dedicated community organizers. The initiative provides vital funding and recognition to those developing innovative programs in education, awareness, treatment, and support services.

"The Health Access Hero Awards are designed to support initiatives that are making an impact at the community level, addressing challenges people experience when it comes to access to care," said David Healy, president of Sun Life U.S. "We are proud to recognize and support the people and groups across the country bringing health services to people that need it most."

Bridging Critical Gaps in Community Health

The program’s dual focus on oral health and diabetes is no coincidence. It targets two of the most pervasive and challenging public health crises in the nation, which are often deeply interconnected and disproportionately affect underserved populations. The statistics paint a stark picture of the health disparities these awards aim to address.

According to recent public health data, approximately 72 million American adults lack any form of dental insurance, a figure nearly three times higher than the number of people without general health insurance. This financial barrier contributes to widespread neglect of oral health, with nearly half of adults over 30 showing signs of gum disease. The problem is particularly acute in rural areas, where an estimated 57 million Americans live in designated dental health professional shortage areas.

These disparities are mirrored in the diabetes epidemic. In 2023, over 40 million people in the U.S. were living with diabetes, with millions more undiagnosed. Prevalence rates are significantly higher among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and American Indian or Alaska Native adults compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Socioeconomic status is also a powerful determinant; adults with household incomes under $25,000 have a diabetes prevalence rate three times higher than those with incomes over $150,000.

Crucially, the link between the two conditions is bidirectional. Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to severe gum disease, and untreated gum disease can, in turn, make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. By targeting both, the Health Access Hero Awards address a complex cycle of disease that plagues vulnerable communities.

A Legacy of Impact: From Mobile Clinics to Food Hubs

Since its inception, the Health Access Hero Awards program has provided more than $3.5 million in grants and recognized over 130 individuals, creating a tangible legacy of improved community health. The stories of past recipients illustrate the profound impact of this targeted support.

In 2025, a $100,000 grant was awarded to Karis Community Health in Tennessee, an organization that began as a faith-based dental clinic and has since expanded to provide comprehensive medical care and chronic disease management. Another recipient, The Health Wagon in Virginia, received $50,000 to bolster its diabetes management initiative within its dental clinic, providing integrated care to patients in Appalachia.

Individual heroes have also been celebrated for their innovative approaches. Dr. Douglas Cross of Excelth in Louisiana was recognized for launching the state’s first teledentistry program, dramatically expanding dental access in remote areas. In New Orleans, Rashida Ferdinand of the Sankofa Community Development Corporation was honored for creating a healthy food hub that provides affordable produce and diabetes prevention classes. Meanwhile, in Illinois, Dr. Cyrus Oates transformed his private dental practice into a hub for school-based oral health, delivering essential care to thousands of students directly where they learn.

These examples showcase the breadth of work supported by the awards, from funding integrated care models and mobile health units to empowering community leaders who are tackling the social determinants of health, such as food insecurity. The program empowers local leaders who best understand the unique needs and challenges of their communities.

Strategic Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship

The Health Access Hero Awards are a cornerstone of a broader corporate social responsibility strategy for both Sun Life and DentaQuest. The initiative is not merely a charitable endeavor but a strategic investment that aligns with their core business missions. DentaQuest is the largest Medicaid and CHIP dental benefits administrator in the country, with a mission-driven approach called Preventistry® that emphasizes preventive care and expanded access.

By funding programs in underserved communities, the companies are reinforcing their commitment to the populations they serve. This work is part of Sun Life's larger "Bridges Initiative," a corporate pledge launched in 2025 to donate $75 million by 2030 to causes that create paths to better health and wealth for historically excluded groups. The awards program serves as a direct vehicle for this commitment, channeling resources to where they can have the most immediate and lasting effect.

This model of strategic philanthropy seeks to build healthier, more resilient communities, which in turn fosters a more stable environment for all stakeholders. It reflects a growing understanding in the corporate world that business success and societal well-being are intrinsically linked.

A Call for Nominations: How to Become a Health Hero

The search for the 2026 cohort of Health Access Heroes is now underway, with two distinct tracks for participation. Community organizations can apply for grants to fund new or existing health and wellness programs. These grants have historically ranged from $25,000 to $100,000, providing significant capital for impactful projects.

The second track allows for the nomination of individuals who have made a remarkable difference in their communities. These recognized heroes do not receive a personal cash prize; instead, they are given the honor of directing a $10,000 donation to a non-profit organization of their choice, amplifying their ability to support the causes they are passionate about.

Eligible applicants and nominees come from all corners of the healthcare and community service landscape. Sun Life and DentaQuest encourage submissions from a wide array of change-makers, including those working in health clinics, hospitals, grassroots nonprofits, academic institutions, and community advocacy groups. The primary criterion is a demonstrated commitment to improving access to care and health outcomes for underserved populations.

All applications and nominations must be submitted by the March 31 deadline. More information, including detailed eligibility requirements and access to the online submission portal, can be found at www.sunlife.com/healthaccessheroes.