Awards
Each year, RISE recognizes two esteemed health care professionals for making a significant impact on the health care industry
The RISE Health Care Hero Award
RISE is pleased to present the RISE Health Care Hero Award to an esteemed nominee who has made a significant impact on the lives of underserved populations through health care and/or social services interventions, and through superior example of the RISE mission to promote health equity among all patients.
2026 Award Recipient
Dr. Kardie Tobb
Cardiologist
Cone Health Medical Group
The 2026 RISE Health Care Hero Award goes to Dr. Kardie Tobb, a cardiologist dedicated to advancing health equity and expanding access to care for underserved communities. She delivers compassionate, patient-centered care that builds trust and improves outcomes, while leading community-based initiatives that bring preventive services and education directly to those who need them most. A strong advocate for systemic change, Dr. Tobb addresses the root causes of health disparities impacting low-income, immigrant, rural, and communities of color. She also mentors the next generation of diverse health care leaders and champions innovative care models, including telehealth and integrated behavioral health. Through her leadership and commitment, Dr. Tobb continues to drive meaningful, lasting impact in equitable health care.
Past Award Recipients
- 2025: Dr. Deborah Villanueva, DSW, MSW, LCSW, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor at Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
- 2024: Dr. Kimberlee Wyche Etheridge, Primary Care Provider and Assistant Professor at Meharry Medical College & Sr. VP Health Equity and Diversity Initiatives at ASTHO
- 2023: Rick Whitted, CEO, U.S. Hunger
- 2022: Mariam Merced, MA, Director, RWJUH Community Health Promotions, New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health
The RISE Trailblazer Award
In the spirit of the RISE mission to drive meaningful impact in the health care industry, the RISE Trailblazer Award honors outstanding innovation, leadership, and dedication. This prestigious accolade celebrates an individual who has made a significant difference in the lives of America’s seniors by introducing groundbreaking ideas, driving transformative change in the industry or community, and setting an inspiring example through courage, creativity, and determination. Inspired by the legacy of the late Dr. Martin L. Block, this award pays tribute to his enduring passion for transforming the health care system and his tireless efforts to inspire positive change.
Formerly known as The Dr. Martin L. Block Award for Innovation & Excellence, the RISE Trailblazer Award is presented to an esteemed nominee each year at RISE National.
2026 Award Recipient
Melvin Dizon
Licensed Social Worker
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
The 2026 award recipient is Melvin Dizon, licensed social worker at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. He is redefining what equitable, technology-enabled care can look like for seniors and vulnerable populations nationwide. A frontline innovator in senior care access, he has pioneered the integration of AI and telepresence robotics to improve care navigation, continuity, and access for homebound and rural populations.
As a creator of scalable, ethical health tech solutions, Melvin has developed culturally grounded, trauma-informed workflows that enable Federally Qualified Health Centers to adopt innovation without compromising human connection. His work has driven measurable impact—reducing no-show rates, strengthening continuity of care, and re-engaging high-risk seniors often excluded from traditional systems. A retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, Melvin brings resilience, integrity, and a deeply mission-driven approach to advancing health care and advocating for underserved communities.
Past Award Recipients
- 2024: Dr. Amy Boutwell, Founder and President, Collaborative Healthcare Strategies
- 2023: Elizabeth Haynes, Director of Risk Adjustment and Stars for Government Programs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (BlueKC)
- 2022: Dr. Tiffany C Pankow, Associate Chief Medical Officer, HonorHealth Medical Group
- 2021: Dr. Heather O'Toole, Chief Medical Officer, Innovation Care Partners
- 2020: Frontline Workers Who Died During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- 2019: Mark Dambro, M.D., Senior Vice President of Health Informatics, Signify Health
- 2018: Dr. Manjusri Vennamaneni, Chief Medical Director and Chief Quality Director, Access Health Care Physicians, LLC
- 2017: Michelle Lupoli, RN
- 2016: Dr. John Broderick
- 2015: Dr. James M. Taylor
- 2014: Dr. Martin L. Block
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