WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) gathered health leaders, healthcare professionals, students, policymakers, and partners in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, September 16th for its 2026 DC Leadership Reception, where we celebrated the dedication of healthcare leaders and officially launched the NHHF Action Fund.

Held at The University Club, the reception featured the presentation of Hispanic Health Leadership Awards to Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) and Carl Garrett, formerly of Centene. NHHF also introduced the Leadership Physician Fellows who completed their one-year executive training program and the Health Professional Student Scholarship winners.

The event included representatives of the Hispanic Health Professionals Network and host organizations, the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA).

“NHHF was proud to launch the NHHF Action Fund at the reception. The Action Fund will focus on advocacy and policy to increase health equity, building on our first Capitol Hill Day, which brought health professionals together with Members of Congress and Senators to discuss issues affecting Hispanic and underserved communities,” said Dr. Elena V. Rios, Founder and President of the National Hispanic Health Foundation.

“The launch of the NHHF Action Fund marks a significant step forward in advancing health advocacy and policy efforts to improve the health of Hispanic communities across the nation,” said Andres Ramirez, President of the NHHF Action Fund.

NHHF presented the Hispanic Health Leadership Award to Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) on Capitol Hill during Hill Day activities.

“I am honored to accept the Hispanic Health Leadership Award from NHHF, an organization that has done incredible work to ensure Hispanic communities across our country can access quality health care,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. “Latinos are often underrepresented in our health care system, and I will always be their voice in the Senate advocating for lower costs and more accessible care.”

Actor and comedian Gabe Pacheco served as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

The 2026 DC Leadership Reception was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors and partners, whose commitment to health equity and leadership strengthens our collective impact.

NHHF extends its sincere thanks to its 2026 Leadership Reception sponsors for their generous support:

Platinum Sponsor
United Health Foundation

Gold Sponsor
Pfizer Inc.

Silver Sponsors
Centene Corporation
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
Johnson & Johnson

NHHF also thanks its media partners for helping amplify the event and its mission: LATINO magazine, Latina Style magazine, El Tiempo Latino, and Latino Leaders magazine.

About the National Hispanic Health Foundation

The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) advances health equity by strengthening leadership, research, and education to support culturally responsive health professionals and improve care for Hispanic and underserved communities. NHHF

About the National Hispanic Health Foundation Action Fund

The National Hispanic Health Foundation Action Fund is a strategic expansion of NHHF’s mission focused on advancing federal and state policies that improve access to quality healthcare, address health disparities, and support a diverse healthcare workforce.

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SOURCE National Hispanic Health Foundation