Heroes in Health Event Celebrates Commitment to Older Americans
Published October 8, 2024
“Hope, Resilience, and Healthy Aging” was the theme of the 2024 Heroes in Health Celebration held September 24. Nearly 300 policymakers, patient advocates, industry partners, researchers, health education experts, and more filled the iconic Waldorf Astoria, Washington, DC to hear important insights and honor five individuals who have made it their life’s purpose to improve the lives of older adults.
The evening kicked off with panel Conversations with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since 2013, the Conversations—moderated by the Alliance— have convened and provided leaders from the FDA and 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 annual opportunity for these leaders to offer their insights on future changes that may positively impact healthcare innovation.
The CMS panel, titled, “What’s Next for Medicare’s Prescription Drug Costs and Affordability Efforts” and moderated by Alliance Board Chair Michele Markus, Head of Global Accounts, Worldwide Enterprise Lead, Omnicom Group, explored the latest developments and the future of Medicare’s initiatives aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. The discussion touched on recent legislative developments, the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the ongoing efforts to enhance access to affordable medications for older adults. Panelists included Molly Burich, M.S., Senior Director of Public Policy, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.; Anna Hyde, M.S., Vice President of Advocacy and Access, Arthritis Foundation; Kristi Martin, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Administrator of the Center for Medicare, CMS; and Pamela Price, RN. B.S., Deputy Director, The Balm In Gilead.
Panelists from left: Michele Markus (moderator), Kristi Martin, Pamela Price, Anna Hyde, and Molly Burich.
The FDA panel, titled, “Scientific Progress, Safety, and the Role of Regulatory Flexibilities for Older Adults” tackled the need to simultaneously foster innovation and ensure patient safety and explored the pivotal role of regulatory flexibilities in supporting scientific progress while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Moderated by Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin, M.H.S., panelists included Robert M. Califf, M.D., MACC, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Michael Irizarry, M.D., M.P.H., Senior Vice President, Clinical Research, Neurology; Deputy Chief Clinical Officer, Clinical Evidence Generation (CEG) Deep Human Biology Learning (DHBL), Eisai, Inc.; Alexis Reisin Miller, J.D., Executive Director of Global Regulatory Policy, Merck; Paul Underwood, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist and Board Chair, Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.
Panelists from left: Sue Peschin (moderator), Dr. Robert Califf, Dr. Paul Underwood, Alexis Reisin Miller, and Dr. Michael Irizarry.
A reception followed the Conversations and provided guests with the opportunity to network and catch up with colleagues. Widely recognized as Washington, D.C.’s signature social event following Congress’ return from its traditional August recess, as one Capitol Hill regular put it, “This is like back-to-school night for Washington’s health policy community – you see everyone here.”
Guests network during the reception.
The Annual Awards Dinner followed in the beautiful Waldorf Astoria ballroom. The Alliance welcomed back long-time emcee and master of ceremonies Kevin Rigby, and guests were treated to remarks from Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin, and Alliance Board Chair Michele Markus.
Heroes in Health emcee Kevin Rigby welcomes guests.
Nearly 300 guests filled the Waldorf Astoria ballroom.
Alliance President & CEO Sue Peschin, MHS, gives remarks.
Alliance Board Chair Michele Markus greets attendees.
Five individuals were honored throughout the evening program for their contributions to advancing the science of human aging and advocacy for older Americans:
Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) was recognized with the Distinguished Public Service Award. This award is 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. This year’s award was presented by Shannon Stehouwer, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Eli Lilly and Company.
Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) accepts her award from Shannon Stehouwer.
Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) was recognized with the Claude Pepper Award for Advancing Healthy Aging. This award is 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. The award was presented by Tom Spulak, Chairman and President of The Claude Pepper Foundation.
Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) accepts her award from Tom Spulak.
Jeffrey Cummings, M.D., Sc.D. (HC), Professor of Brain Science and Director of the Chambers-Gundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was recognized with the Silver Innovator Award. This award is presented to an individual who anticipates and embraces the evolution of high-quality research aligned with the needs of older patients. This year’s award was presented by Bobby Patrick, VI, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AdvaMed.
Dr. Cummings accepts his award from Bobby Patrick Vi.
Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was recognized with the Daniel Perry Founder’s Award. This award is presented to an individual or group who is helping to change the paradigm of how we view aging and well-being as we age. This year’s award was presented by Jessica Riviere, Head of Patient Advocacy and Engagement at GSK, with special remarks by Robert M. Califf, M.D., MACC, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. Califf joins honoree Dr. Marks and award presenter Jessica Riviere.
Karyne Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer for the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging (NCBA) was recognized with the Perennial Hero Award. This award is 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. This year’s award was presented by Molly Burich, Senior Director of Public Policy at Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
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