CDC Foundation Receives WebMD Health Heroes Award, Honoring Essential Workers
The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most challenging years in public health as the COVID-19 pandemic took lives, laid bare health inequities and eroded economic gains. During this period, the CDC Foundation tagline, “Together our impact is greater,” took on renewed significance as individuals, philanthropies, corporations and organizations stepped forward and made an incredible difference during an intense time of need.
Through the generosity of our donors, the CDC Foundation was able to partner with incredible organizations across the country to aid essential workers, who in turn aided so many millions in need. Today, we are honored to be recognized with WebMD’s 2021 Frontline Champions Health Heroes award, which recognizes the contributions of the nation’s essential workers.
Now in its 14th year, the WebMD awards recognizes inspiring individuals who are changing the health care landscape by meeting a health challenge and giving back to others. In their Health Heroes issue WebMD honored the everyday heroes who risk their own health and safety to make a difference in communities impacted by COVID-19. WebMD’s Health Heroes issue highlights five organizations the CDC Foundation supported to help essential workers who put themselves at risk during the pandemic.
“Essential workers including firefighters, teachers, public health professionals, among others deserve our gratitude for continuing to do their various jobs that have such an impact on our daily lives,” said Judy Monroe, MD, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. “We appreciate WebMD honoring the CDC Foundation with the Health Heroes award, but the true heroes are the essential workers.”
The CDC Foundation continues to work closely with public health authorities and community-based organizations across the country to respond to the pandemic. We are meeting critical needs in the response including distributing over 8 million pieces of personal protective equipment, providing laboratory and medical equipment, testing support, hiring more than 1,000 surge staff for health departments, sponsoring national communication campaigns and more.
WebMD's editorial team, composed of board-certified health care professionals and award-winning journalists, selects recipients. Winners are featured in a special edition of the April/May/June issue of WebMD Magazine.
