The DFW Hospital Council’s (DFWHC) Board of Trustees announced this week that Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson will be the 2022 recipient of its Distinguished Health Service Award, an annual honor dating back to 1948. The award will be presented during DFWHC’s 74th Annual Awards Luncheon on October 21 at the Irving Convention Center. A reception begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by the luncheon and awards from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

This year’s luncheon, themed “A Lifetime of Service,” will also be highlighted by keynote speaker Jessica Long, America’s most decorated Paralympic champion.

During the Luncheon, DFWHC will also honor the Young Healthcare Executive of the Year, the Kerney Laday, Sr. Trustee of the Year, with recipients to be announced next week. The board chairs of all DFWHC member hospitals will also be introduced on stage to open the program.

Congresswoman Johnson is serving her 15th term representing the 30th Congressional District of Texas. After three decades in office, she announced she would retire after her present term expires.

Johnson is the first African American and female to chair the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and is the Dean of the Texas Congressional Delegation. She is also Dean of the Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona Democratic Congressional Delegation, and was the first Registered Nurse (RN) elected to the U.S. Congress.

She began her career as the first female African American Chief Psychiatric Nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas. In 1972, she became the first RN elected to the Texas State House and achieved the same distinction upon her election to the Texas Senate in 1986.

“I cannot think of a more worthy recipient,” said Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. “Congresswoman Johnson has been an inspirational leader who championed improvements in healthcare, education, veteran affairs, minority rights and equality for all. She has lived a life focused on equality, advancement and a desire to promote STEM education for all. Her dedicated efforts to the social drivers of health have helped many residents across the U.S. She chaired the Coalition for Hunger Solutions and has sponsored many bills addressing food insecurity. We are looking forward to honoring her.”

A proud Paralympic champion representing the U.S., Long was born in Siberia. Burdened by congenital defects in her legs, she was placed for adoption at 13 months old. A few months later, Jessica’s legs were amputated below the knee due to a rare bone disorder. She was able to persevere to become one of the most decorated female athletes in U.S. history.

Jessica’s story served as the inspiration of the now-famous 2021 Super Bowl commercial which highlights her life and the deep connections she has with her family. You can view the commercial here.

“We were thrilled to discover Jessica was available to speak at our luncheon,” Love said. “Her story is so inspirational and during these difficult times, her message is an important one.”

Sponsorships are now available. They can be accessed at the links below.

Hospital Sponsorships can be found here.

Non-Hospital Executive Sponsorships can be found here.

Tables and tickets will go on sale next week. Please note that this year for safety reasons tables will seat a total of eight people only.

The Luncheon is sponsored in part by Hall Render and Forvis.

For questions, please contact Chris Wilson at chrisw@dfwhc.org or call 972-719-4900.