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Media Contact Adjoa Kyerematen

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National Minority Quality Forum to Honor U.S. Senator Cory Booker with Lifetime Achievement Award at 2026 Leadership Summit on Health Disparities

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 28, 2026) — The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) today announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gary Puckrein, has been awarded the Strong Youth Strong Communities Leadership Award, presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in partnership with Centene Corporation.

The Strong Youth Strong Communities Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Puckrein by Darrell Green, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008 and Washington Commanders legend, alongside Iman McFarland, a Strong Youth Strong Communities Ambassador and Chief Executive Officer of 21st Century Expo Group. 

The Strong Youth Strong Communities (SYSC) initiative is a national youth development program launched through a partnership between the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Centene in 2017. The program brings together community leaders, mentors, and Hall of Fame athletes to equip young people with leadership skills, mental wellness tools, and strategies to navigate real-world challenges. The Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional ability to convene cross-sector partners, advance innovative solutions, and create lasting impact in communities—particularly among youth and underserved populations.

“We are honored to share that our President and CEO, Dr. Gary Puckrein, has been recognized with the Strong Youth Strong Communities Leadership Award,” said Brandon Garrett, NMQF Chief Operating Officer. “This award highlights Dr. Puckrein’s unique ability to bring partners together, advance innovative solutions, and drive meaningful improvements in community health. His leadership continues to inspire our work every day.”

Under Dr. Puckrein’s leadership, NMQF has become a national force in advancing health equity, leveraging data, policy, and community-based engagement to address disparities in care and outcomes. NMQF has built longstanding relationships with professional athletes, including NFL players and Hall of Famers, to elevate awareness of prevention, access, and community-driven solutions.

Dr. Puckrein’s connection to the sport extends back to his early years. He briefly played football at West Texas State before continuing his academic journey at California State University, Los Angeles, and later earning his doctorate in history from Brown University. His path reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, discipline, and service—values that continue to shape his work today. The recognition from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Centene underscores the growing importance of cross-sector leadership in addressing the complex health and social challenges facing communities nationwide. For more information about NMQF and its work, visit www.nmqf.org.

About National Minority Quality Forum
The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research and advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. The mission of NMQF is to reduce patient risk by assuring optimal care for all. NMQF’s vision is an American health services research, delivery and financing system whose operating principle is to reduce patient risk for amenable morbidity and mortality while improving quality of life. For more information, please visit www.nmqf.org.