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The Miami Cuban Lions Club has recognized Benjamín León, Jr., a visionary leader in healthcare and founder of Leon Medical Centers, with the 2024 Dr. Ramiro Collazo Outstanding Citizen Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to their community.
Benjamín León, Jr. is a pillar in South Florida for his transcendent contributions to the healthcare industry and dedicated service to the community for over five decades. Born in Holguín, Cuba, he arrived in Miami in 1961 and from a very young age has been involved in increasing the access to quality healthcare for all in Miami-Dade County.
“We are truly honored to present Benjamín León, Jr. with the 2024 Dr. Ramiro Collazo Outstanding Citizen Award,” said Miami Cuban Lions Club President Milton Gari. “His dedication to serving others and making a real difference is incredibly inspiring. Benjamín embodies the heart and soul of the Miami Cuban Lions Club, which has been dedicated to serving others in South Florida for over four decades.”
Benjamín León, Jr. played an instrumental role, together with his father Benjamín León, Sr., in the development and growth of Clínica Asociación Cubana (CAC), which became the first HMO licensed in the State of Florida in 1973. In 1996, he founded Leon Medical Centers (LMC) aimed at providing unparalleled medical care and support to the Medicare recipients of South Florida. Leon Medical Centers has become one of the most prestigious and recognized healthcare institutions in the U.S. In 2022, León, Jr. launched Leon Health, a Medicare Advantage plan serving the Miami-Dade community. Aside from serving as founder and chairman of LMC and Leon Health, Mr. León, Jr. is actively involved in giving back to the community through philanthropic contributions, including nonprofit organizations, medical and nursing educational institutions, and Cuban exile community projects. Mr. León, Jr. is also a real estate investor, who owns a vast portfolio of commercial and residential properties. He divides his time between his home in Key Biscayne, Florida and his farm in Ocala, Florida.
“Receiving the 2024 Dr. Ramiro Collazo Outstanding Citizen Award is deeply nostalgic,” stated Benjamín León, Jr. “It’s not just an honor for me, but a recognition of the enduring legacy of service that runs deep in my family. My father received a similar recognition from the Lions Club 51 years ago and this brings it full circle. I am flooded with fond memories and it reinforces the importance of our collective mission to make a positive impact in the lives of others.”
Mr. León, Jr. accepted the award during a reception lunch held at the Renaissance Ballroom on Sunday, April 14, surrounded by family and friends, esteemed members of the community, Miami Cuban Lions Club members and elected officials.
The Dr. Ramiro Collazo Outstanding Service Award was established to memorialize Dr. Collazo’s service and dedication to the Lions Clubs, while recognizing outstanding individual achievements and service to the community. Dr. Ramiro Collazo was the first Hispanic American elected as President of Lions Club International. Previous recipients of this award include:
- 2011 Dr. Manuel Alzugaray
- 2012 Martha Flores
- 2013 Horacio Aguirre
- 2014 Lincoln Díaz Balart
- 2015 Gus Machado
- 2016 Alina Mayo Azze
- 2017 Lino de la Hera
- 2018 Dr. Luis Villa
- 2019 Virginia A. Jacko
- 2020 Jorge Rodríguez
- 2023 Ninoska Pérez Castellón
It is noteworthy that Mr. León’s father received a similar recognition from the Lions Club 51 years ago, further highlighting the Leon family’s legacy of service and dedication to the community.
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About Benjamín León, Jr.
Benjamín León, Jr. is the founder and Chairman of Leon Medical Centers and Leon Health HMO. A visionary in the healthcare field, who has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of seniors and their families in Miami-Dade County for over five decades, he heads one of the most prestigious and most recognized health institutions in the U.S. In 1972, the Leon family played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Federal Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Act, becoming the first licensed HMO in the State of Florida, as Clínica Asociacion Cubana (CAC), in 1973. In 1996, he founded Leon Medical Centers (LMC) aimed at providing unparalleled medical care and support to the Medicare recipients of South Florida. Leon Medical Centers has become one of the most prestigious and recognized healthcare institutions in the U.S.
In 2022, León, Jr. launched Leon Health, a Medicare Advantage plan serving the Leon community. In addition to healthcare, León, Jr. is actively involved in giving back to the community through philanthropic contributions, including nonprofit causes such as La Liga Contra el Cancer, the John Hopkins and Dana Farber research fund, Miami Dade College’s Benjamín León, Jr. School of Nursing and Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, establishing the Benjamín León, Jr. Center for Geriatric Research and Education. Moreover, Mr. León, Jr. is passionately dedicated to the Cuban diaspora and recently made a landmark gift towards the establishment of Florida International University’s CasaCuba project. Mr. León, Jr. is also a real estate investor, who owns a vast portfolio of commercial and residential properties. He divides his time between his home in Key Biscayne, Florida and his farm in Ocala, Florida.
About Miami Cuban Lions Club
The Miami Cuban Lions Club, established in 1975 by Ramon Dominguez and a group of dedicated community leaders, has been a dedicated force for compassion and service in the Miami community for more than four decades. Committed to the Lions Club International motto, “We Serve,” the club empowers members, volunteers, and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian services. As the pioneering club granted the privilege of a nationality designation, the Miami Cuban Lions Club has sponsored numerous initiatives and organizations, catalyzing positive change and fostering resilience within the community. With a legacy of impactful service and a dedication to making a meaningful difference, the Miami Cuban Lions Club continues to uphold its mission of service to humanity.
