In honor of Black History Month, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) recognizes the contributions of Dr. Alfred Leroy Bookhardt. A pioneer physician in Orlando, Dr. Bookhardt began his medical career in the 1960s. He treated African-American patients who were refused care by white physicians. He also co-founded the Central Florida Medical Society and Guardian Care, the first long-term care facility for African-Americans in Orlando. 

Each April, during National Minority Health Month, DOH-Orange honors Dr. Bookhardt by awarding the Alfred L. Bookhardt, M.D. Award for Health Equity to an Orange County physician.  The recipient is selected for their dedication and commitment to increasing access to health care with a goal of achieving health equity in Central Florida.