Dr. America Bracho, leader of Orange County’s nonprofit Latino Health Access, has received the Latina Leader award from the Imagen Foundation, which encourages and recognizes Latino leadership nationally.
Bracho will receive her award March 27 in Washington, D.C.
A news release announcing the award stated Bracho was nominated by Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Santa Ana) for “her dedication to creating access and improving health services for Latinos and serving as ‘a standout leader in the community.’ “
Bracho, a medical doctor, is the founder of Santa Ana-based Latino Health Access, which promotes disease prevention and, including reaching out to residents on health issues like diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, domestic violence and parenting problems.
“She is recognized at the local, regional and national levels as an expert in the area of Latino health issues, health education, minority women, cultural competency, community organizing, diabetes education and HIV,” the news release read.
The Imagen Foundation, was created in the 1980s as the outgrowth of work by television producer Norman Lear and his company’s vice president for public affairs, Helen Hernandez.
Hernandez is president of the Imagen Foundation, which also has annual awards to recognize members of the entertainment industry who “portray the Latino community in a positive and accurate manner,” according to its website.
“Imagen has evolved as an organization that uses its influence to promote, support, build bridges and connect national influencers, both Latino and non-Latino, with each other,” the website declares.