Florida Blue Foundation Announces Speakers for 10th Anniversary Sapphire Awards and Symposium

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Mar 26, 2015, 10:19 ET

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A heavyweight lineup of speakers, along with a special performance by José Feliciano, will highlight the Florida Blue Foundation's 10^th Anniversary Sapphire Awards and Symposium April 22-23 at Bonaventure Resort and Spa in Weston, Fla.

The program will feature national, regional and Florida-based experts on a variety of issues and topics that include health, health care reform, innovation, childhood obesity, philanthropy and more. Highlights include:

Daniel R. Glickman, J.D., former U.S. secretary of agriculture, vice president, Aspen Institute, and executive director of the Aspen Institute Congressional Program, will share the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report findings. His presentation will address the accelerating progress in obesity prevention and the progress being made in solving the weight of the nation.
Otis Webb Brawley, M.D., M.A.C.P., chief medical and scientific officer, and executive vice president, research, American Cancer Society, is responsible for promoting early detection and quality treatment through cancer research and education. An acknowledged leader in the access to quality cancer care, Brawley is a key leader in the Society's work to eliminate health disparities. He will discuss ethics and the transformation of health care in America.
Rachael A. Watman, M.S.W., is a senior program officer at the Hartford Foundation with primary oversight of the Leadership in Action portfolio. She will discuss the very timely topic of the shifting demographics in today's workplace and in the community.
José Feliciano, one of the most prominent Latin-born performers, will perform as a special guest. Critically acclaimed as "the greatest living guitarist," Feliciano has been awarded more than 45 gold and platinum records, earned 19 Grammy nominations, and received nine Grammy Awards, including the LARAS Award for Lifetime Achievement.

This year's event marks the 10th anniversary of the Sapphire Awards, the only statewide honor that recognizes individuals, programs and organizations for excellence and innovation in addressing community health issues. Since 2005, Florida Blue Foundation has presented 55 Sapphire Awards, totaling more than $3.1 million in financial support, to seven individuals and 48 programs and organizations from across Florida.

The 2015 Sapphire Awards also will feature a keynote address from Pat Geraghty, chairman and CEO of Florida Blue.

To learn more and register for the 2015 10th Anniversary Sapphire Awards and Symposium, visit www.floridabluefoundation.com.

About Florida Blue Foundation
Florida Blue Foundation is a trade name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, Inc. Florida Blue Foundation is a separate, philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue, Florida's Blue Cross and Blue Shield company. The Foundation and its parent are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.floridabluefoundation.com.

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SOURCE Florida Blue Foundation