WASHINGTON, D.C. – The longstanding commitment to legal and health equity will be honored as Whitman-Walker Health prepares to present the pro bono excellence award to the international law firm McDermott Will & Schulte. The prestigious recognition coincides with the 40th anniversary of Whitman-Walker’s pioneering Legal Services Program, a milestone for the organization and the broader community healthcare sector.

Celebrating Four Decades of Legal Advocacy

Founded during the early AIDS crisis, the Legal Services Program at Whitman-Walker Health set out to defend those facing discrimination, particularly people living with HIV/AIDS. In the 1980s, few organizations combined medical and legal support, marking Whitman-Walker as a trailblazer in the medical legal partnership movement. Today, the program stands as the nation’s oldest and most established example, providing integrated support for patients managing both health and legal challenges.

Dale Edwin Sanders: A Legacy of Justice

The pro bono excellence award is named for Dale Edwin Sanders, whose dedication to HIV/AIDS advocacy was foundational in the development of legal protections for affected individuals. By championing client rights in the face of stigma and discrimination, Sanders influenced policies that have benefited LGBTQ individuals and people living with chronic illnesses. His work remains central to Whitman-Walker’s mission and serves as an inspiration for current and future legal advocates.

Recognizing McDermott Will & Schulte’s Impact

McDermott Will & Schulte, an international firm renowned for its commitment to public service, becomes the latest recipient of the Dale Edwin Sanders Award. The firm’s attorneys have provided crucial legal support in matters spanning health care access, discrimination, and immigration, exemplifying the shared goals of the community healthcare center. By offering pro bono counsel, McDermott Will & Schulte has helped to expand the reach and impact of Whitman-Walker Health’s legal services program, ensuring the protection of vulnerable community members whose needs span both medical and legal spheres.

Expanding Reach: LGBTQ, Transgender, and Immigrant Support

Whitman-Walker Health’s dual focus on LGBTQ health services and legal rights sets a comprehensive standard for community care. Over the decades, the Legal Services Program has broadened its advocacy beyond HIV/AIDS to encompass transgender legal aid, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding identity documentation, discrimination, and healthcare access. Additionally, immigrant legal assistance has become a critical element, supporting those who face complicated residency and healthcare obstacles. By working with partners like McDermott Will & Schulte, Whitman-Walker ensures legal protection is accessible to those who need it most.

A Model for Community Healthcare Centers Nationwide

The story of Whitman-Walker Health demonstrates how community healthcare centers can combine medical expertise and legal experience to address complex, interwoven obstacles faced by marginalized populations. With national attention returning to public health disparities, their medical legal partnership model continues to inspire similar collaborations across the country. The work being recognized by the pro bono excellence award aligns with a broader movement to bridge gaps between health and justice, especially in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ and immigrant health equity.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Mission of Service

As Whitman-Walker Health marks the 40th anniversary of its Legal Services Program, the organization reaffirms its commitment to community-driven legal advocacy. The relationship with McDermott Will & Schulte demonstrates how strategic partnerships foster greater impact, providing comprehensive support for individuals navigating health crises and discrimination. Honoring this year’s recipient of the Dale Edwin Sanders Award, Whitman-Walker sends a clear message: sustaining health and justice requires ongoing collaboration and the shared efforts of dedicated advocates across the medical and legal professions.