Health Heroes Awards 2024 September 23, 2024

On September 13, Physicians for Social Responsibility hosted our annual fundraiser and awards event in Washington, DC. More than 100 PSR members and friends gathered to recognize Health Heroes.

The Nuclear Weapons Abolition Award went to Benetick Kabua Maddison and the Marshallese Education Initiative (MEI). We celebrate their work addressing the lasting health impacts of U.S. weapons testing in the Marshall Islands, along with the increasing crisis of climate change in the Pacific Island nation. As PSR continues our emphasis on justice for nuclear impacted communities, we are proud to partner with MEI in their tireless efforts to build solidarity in the U.S. and globally among those most harmed by nuclear imperialism.

The Climate and Environmental Justice Award went to Martha Dina Argüello, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles. This is Martha’s 25th year at PSR-LA, and she has built the chapter into a powerful force for justice, exemplifying what is possible when health professionals stand in solidarity with the communities most vulnerable to the harms of fossil fuels, nuclear weapons, and other toxic pollution. Over the years, Martha has mentored dozens of young activists and established coalitions that have catalyzed the environmental justice movement not just in Southern California but across the state and the country.

The Emerging Leader Award was presented to Medical Students for a Sustainable Future (MS4SF). This student-led network recognizes climate change as an urgent threat to health and social justice, and they are mobilizing to ensure the next generation of physicians are equipped to respond. Founded just five years ago, MS4SF has grown into a powerful force reshaping medical education. With over 700 members at more than 100 medical schools, they work together to promote climate change as a critical component of medical school curriculum and research, and to make sure students develop the skills and community of support they need to be effective advocates for policy change, both within the health sector and in the political arena.

Read more about each of these awardees and our keynote speaker, Kai Bird, who reflected on his acclaimed Oppenheimer biography in a powerful conversation with PSR board member Elaine Scarry. The event also celebrated Health Heroes from PSR’s amazing network of state and local chapters. Thanks to all the generous sponsors who made the evening possible. Click here to make your gift in celebration of these amazing people and partner organizations.