May 20, 2025
In recognition of their sustained efforts to address public health challenges faced by vulnerable populations, two programs serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex received the Texas Medical Association Foundation’s (TMAF’s) 2025 John P. McGovern Champion of Health Awards. TMAF announced the awards during TexMed, the association’s annual conference, held this year in San Antonio.
The first-place recipient is the Texas A&M Agape Student-Run Clinic and Health Fair in Dallas, which received a program grant of $7,500. The second-place winner – receiving a program grant of $3,000 – is Meals on Wheels North Central Texas, which serves three counties immediately south of Dallas-Fort Worth. TMAF gives the awards to exceptional projects that address urgent threats to the public’s health.
TMAF Champion of Health Top Award: Texas A&M Agape Student-Run Clinic and Health Fair (Dallas)
Providing health and dental care unconditionally to underserved individuals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Agape Clinic has been operating for over 40 years.
“We are honored to receive the 2025 John P. McGovern Champion of Health Award, which fuels our continued commitment to bridging health care gaps and serving Dallas’ most vulnerable people with unconditional love and compassion,” said Gor Kikanian, a third-year medical student at the Texas A&M University School of Medicine Dallas Regional Campus. He volunteers at the clinic.
The clinic provides comprehensive health care covering a full spectrum of health care services: medical care, pediatrics, women’s services, and behavioral health care, and dental services. Supported by collaborative partnerships with community organizations and health care institutions, the clinic provides most medications and lab work free of charge to patients.
Most patients seeking care at the clinic are women from underserved populations, as well as children and older adults managing chronic conditions without health insurance.
Second Place Award: Meals on Wheels North Central Texas
For nearly 50 years, Meals on Wheels North Central Texas has fulfilled its mission of delivering nutritious meals to homebound elderly and disabled individuals, and human connection to nourish the spirit as well as the body. Volunteers arrive at individuals’ homes every week for a friendly visit and wellness check, addressing both their physical and emotional well-being, helping seniors remain healthy and independent in their own homes.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the TMA Foundation’s John P. McGovern Champion of Health Award. This generous recognition allows us to continue combatting hunger and isolation among our homebound and disabled senior neighbors,” said Christine Hockin-Boyd, the organization’s executive director.
Meals on Wheels North Central Texas serves a vast 2,772 square-mile area in Johnson, Ellis, and Navarro Counties. They target services for people aged 60 years and older, particularly those who are homebound, economically disadvantaged, socially isolated, or physically frail.
“We believe food is medicine, and with nearly 224,000 meals delivered last year – including heart-healthy, diabetic-friendly, and a variety of medically-tailored options – we’re not just nourishing bodies; we’re delivering dignity, companionship, and a sense of independence,” Ms. Hockin-Boyd said.
TMA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of TMA which supports TMA's population health, science and community outreach initiatives. Its Champion of Health award is named after the late John P. McGovern, MD, a philanthropist, scholar, and allergist who founded the John P. McGovern Foundation in Houston. Dr. McGovern established a permanent endowment at TMAF, which supports this award.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 59,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
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TMA Contacts: Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320; email: brent.annear@texmed.org
Swathi Narayanan (512) 370-1382; cell: (408) 987-1318; email: swathi.narayanan@texmed.org