The Federal Advocate of the Year Award from the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) recognizes an individual whose leadership and dedication have significantly advanced federal diabetes advocacy and strengthened the voice of the diabetes community on Capitol Hill. The ADA is proud to announce Henry Rodriguez, MD, as the 2026 Federal Advocate of the Year for his outstanding commitment, leadership, and tireless advocacy on behalf of people living with diabetes across the United States. Dr. Rodriguez was honored during the ADA’s 2026 Call to Congress event in Washington, DC, where Diabetes Advocates from across the country gather to urge federal lawmakers to act on critical diabetes policies.
A nationally respected pediatric endocrinologist and professor of pediatrics at the University of South Florida, Dr. Rodriguez has dedicated both his professional career and personal time to improving the lives of people with diabetes. His work spans clinical care, research, and advocacy, particularly focused on improving outcomes for individuals living with type 1 diabetes.
“It is an honor and privilege to receive this award that I accept on behalf of all the ADA volunteers and staff that advocate to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes here in the U.S. and around the globe,” said Dr. Rodriguez.
Within the ADA, Dr. Rodriguez has demonstrated exceptional leadership as chair of the National Advocacy Committee, where he has played a critical role in guiding the organization’s engagement around federal advocacy and supporting advocates nationwide. He also serves on the Legal Advocacy Sub-Committee and is co-chair of the Safe at School® Working Group, helping advance policies that protect the rights and health of students living with diabetes.
Dr. Rodriguez’s dedication extends far beyond committee leadership. He has consistently devoted his time and energy to meeting directly with federal lawmakers and policymakers on Capitol Hill, frequently traveling to Washington, DC, to share his expertise and advocate for policies that expand access to care, improve affordability, and advance diabetes research.
In addition to his advocacy leadership, Dr. Rodriguez serves as clinical director of the University of South Florida’s Diabetes and Endocrinology Center and is the principal investigator for the National Institutes of Health-funded USF TrialNet Clinical Center and the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications trial center. He has authored or co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and is widely recognized for his contributions to the prevention and management of type 1 diabetes.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure —and we’re not stopping. There are over 155 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
