News

Friday, April 17, 2026

Florida Blue Foundation invests $525,000 in community health innovation through 2026 Sapphire Awards

Nine honorees recognized for advancing impact in maternal health, mental well‑being, crisis response, and community-based support.

Key highlights from this year’s event and awards include:

  • $525,000 awarded to this year’s honorees
  • Nine programs, organizations, and individuals recognized
  • 600+ attendees
  • 60 speakers, experts, and innovators
  • Two days of learning, collaboration, and connection
  • 166 Sapphire Awards presented since 2005
  • $8.5M+ invested in community health impact

SOUTH FLORIDA – [April 17, 2026] - The Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue, announced the 2026 Sapphire Award recipients, recognizing nine programs, organizations, and individuals improving health and well‑being across Florida.

This year’s honorees collectively received $525,000 to advance innovative approaches in maternal health, mental well‑being, crisis response, and community-based support. The awards were presented during the Foundation’s annual Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards on April 16 in Orlando.

"Each of this year’s honorees is pushing community health forward in powerful ways," said Florida Blue Foundation Executive Director Susan Towler. "Their innovation, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of Floridians inspires us, and we are honored to support their work."

2026 Sapphire Award Honorees

Programs:

  • The TEACUP Preemie & NICU Support Program, led by The Children’s Healing Institute (West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County) provides free, bilingual emotional support, maternal mental health screening, lactation education, and resource navigation for families with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The program strengthens maternal well-being, supports healthy infant development, and helps parents build confidence during a challenging time. It has received a first-place award and $100,000. Watch their video.
  • The S.A.F.E. program, led by Women’s Center of Jacksonville (Jacksonville, Duval County) delivers trauma‑informed medical care, forensic exams, and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault. By uniting medical, legal, and social supports, S.A.F.E helps survivors begin the path toward healing while strengthening community safety. The program was honored with a second-place award and $50,000. Watch their video.
  • The Obstetrics Program, led by Banyan Community Health (Doral, Miami-Dade County), provides integrated primary and behavioral health care for high‑need mothers. The program, provided through the Federally Qualified Health Center, is known for increasing maternal health access and achieving exceptional outcomes. It received a third-place award and $25,000. Watch their video.

Organizations: