Benjamín León, Jr., founder and Chairman of Leon Medical Centers and Leon Health HMO, was presented with the 2024 Dr. Ramiro Collazo Outstanding Citizen Award over the weekend by the Miami Cuban Lions Club.
The award recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to their community, such as León, Jr., who has proven to be a visionary leader in healthcare, dedicating over five decades of service to the community.
León, Jr. was born in Holguín, Cuba, and arrived in Miami in 1961. From a very young age, he 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.”
Both León, Jr. and his father, Benjamín León, Sr., played an instrumental role 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 since 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, 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.
“Receiving the 2024 Dr. Ramiro Collazo Outstanding Citizen Award is deeply nostalgic,” León, Jr. said. “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.”
In addition to his great work in healthcare, 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 and his farm in Ocala.
He accepted the prestigious 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.