2026 Heroes in Health Celebration

Conversations with the FDA and CMS

Since 2013, the Conversations with the FDA and CMS —moderated by the Alliance— convenes and provides leaders from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with the opportunity to reflect on progress their agencies have made in implementing major policy changes to improve the health of older adults. The event is also an opportunity for these leaders to offer their insights on future changes that may positively impact healthcare innovation.

Overview:

• Registration: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• Conversation #1: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• Reception: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
• Conversation #2: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  

Awards

The 33rd Annual Awards Dinner will feature the following awards:

• Claude Pepper Award for Advancing Healthy Aging: presented each year to a Democratic member of Congress who is leading the way for policies encouraging medical research, innovation, and care to benefit Americans as they grow older.
• Distinguished Public Service Award: presented each year to a Republican member of Congress who is leading the way for policies encouraging medical research, innovation, and care to benefit Americans as they grow older.
• Silver Innovator Award: presented to an individual who anticipates and embraces the evolution of high-quality research aligned with the needs of older patients.
• Daniel Perry Founder’s Award: presented to an individual or group who is helping to change the paradigm of how we view aging and well-being as we age.
• Perennial Hero Award: presented each year to honor an older individual who is actively contributing to create positive societal change and serves as a role model for people of all ages.