April 29, 2025 / Niki Elliott
Honoring Dr. Dawn Jacobs: A Lifetime of Service
Baltimore Medical System is proud to celebrate Dr. Dawn Jacobs, Vice President of Pharmacy Operations, as the recipient of the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award from The Daily Record. This distinguished honor recognizes Dr. Jacobs’s extraordinary leadership, service, and impact on healthcare access and equity in Baltimore.
Since joining BMS in 2009, Dr. Jacobs has transformed the organization’s pharmacy program into Maryland’s largest community health pharmacy network. Under her visionary leadership, what began as just three pharmacies with a team of two has grown into a robust system of six pharmacies with more than 40 employees, serving thousands of patients—many of whom are uninsured or underinsured.
A Champion for Accessible, Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Jacobs’s stewardship of the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program has been central to BMS’s ability to provide affordable medications and reinvest savings into patient care initiatives. Through her thoughtful leadership, BMS has launched a number of innovative programs to serve the community, including:
The Pharmacy Assistance Program, offering free or low-cost prescriptions to hundreds of uninsured patients.
Free prescription delivery, ensuring that patients receive medications conveniently and safely at home.
A clinical pharmacist program that embeds specialists into primary care teams to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, HIV, and hepatitis C.
A diabetes support program providing free glucose meters and, at select centers, a 3-month supply of test strips.
A pharmacy-based vaccination program, expanding access to essential immunizations.
These programs are a testament to Dr. Jacobs’s commitment to removing barriers to care and improving health outcomes across the community.
Leading Through Challenges
Despite the challenges of working within the public healthcare system, Dr. Jacobs has remained steadfast in her mission. Her ability to navigate complex healthcare systems while always centering the needs of patients makes her a true healthcare hero.
Service Beyond the Workplace
Dr. Jacobs’s impact extends far beyond her professional role. As a member of the Upsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she dedicates time to mentoring students and speaking on topics such as self-care, career development, and community empowerment. Her legacy is deeply rooted in service, mentorship, and the belief that everyone deserves quality healthcare—regardless of their circumstances.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Dr. Jacobs’s proudest accomplishment is the lasting impact she and her team have made in the lives of thousands of patients—providing not only access to affordable medications but also compassionate, personalized care.
We are incredibly proud to honor Dr. Dawn Jacobs for her 15 years of outstanding service to Baltimore Medical System and the greater Baltimore community. Her passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication make her more than deserving of the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award.
Congratulations, Dr. Jacobs—and THANK YOU for everything you do!
A Commitment to Community Wellness
These accolades reflect BMS’s holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of accessible, community-centered services. Dr. Jacobs exemplifies the organization’s mission to provide comprehensive care that addresses the diverse needs of Baltimore’s residents.
For more information about Baltimore Medical System’s initiatives and services, visit www.bmsi.org.
