Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) will honor CenCal Health, YouthWell, and Angel Flight West as its 2025 Heroes of Hospice award recipients, recognized for outstanding service and dedication to the community’s health and well-being.

The honorees will be celebrated at Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 13th Annual Heroes of Hospice luncheon, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, 1759 S. Jameson Lane, Montecito.

Keynote speaker will be David Kessler, a best-selling author and expert on death and grief. The event also marks 51 years of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s compassionate care and service to the community.

CenCal Health will receive the Medical Award in recognition of its leadership in championing healthcare access for children.

Providing health coverage for one in four people in Santa Barbara County, CenCal Health has been operating since 1983, and is recognized as the oldest Medicaid-managed care program of its kind in the country.

“CenCal Health is an incredible partner to Hospice of Santa Barbara, and provides access to high-quality health services, along with education and outreach, for thousands of low-income and marginalized families in Santa Barbara County,” said David Selberg, CEO of HSB. “They know that our entire community thrives when we all achieve optimal health together.”

YouthWell will be honored with the Partner Award for its work in coordinating mental health and wellness services for youth across the region. YouthWell collaborates with HSB to help children navigating grief, with their mental wellness and with developing self-care practices.

“YouthWell plays a critical role in providing an important safety-net of support in our community for children and teens and their families in crisis,” said Selberg.

Angel Flight West will receive the Volunteer Award for its unwavering commitment to providing free medical transportation to individuals and families in need.

The organization links volunteer pilots and commercial airlines with people whose non-emergency health needs require long-distance travel to access care.

“Angel Flight West is a gift to all the communities they serve, including here in Santa Barbara,” said Selberg. “With their donated flights, they are the transportation bridge for those in need of medical care and the facilities that can help them.”

For more information and tickets, visit hospiceofsb.org/heroes.