Lorain Times

Marcia Latta, Ed.D., has been named one of three recipients of the Congressional Families Leadership Award for 2025. The award is presented by the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s bipartisan Congressional Families Program, which each year recognizes two members of Congress or their spouses, a celebrity, and a healthcare organization for notable efforts in cancer prevention and early detection.

The program's annual event brings together lawmakers, their spouses, and leaders in cancer prevention to honor those who use their influence to educate the public about preventive measures and early detection. Dr. Latta is an active member of the Congressional Families Program Advisory Committee and serves on its Executive Council.

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5), who represents Ohio’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress since 2007 after succeeding Paul Gillmor (https://latta.house.gov/), expressed his support for his wife’s recognition: “I am incredibly proud that my wife, Marcia, is being honored with the Congressional Families Leadership Award from the Prevent Cancer Foundation. For years, she has been a strong advocate for cancer prevention and awareness, supporting families and encouraging healthier communities. Her dedication and leadership have made a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. This recognition is a testament to her steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of others," Congressman Latta said.

Dr. Latta responded to the honor by saying: “I am so honored to receive the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families Leadership Award. As someone who has lost loved ones to these diseases, this effort is deeply personal,” Dr. Latta said. “Cancer is a disease that impacts nearly every family at some point. Anytime I can, I share insights and information to help reduce cancer risks. Hopefully, with progress being made we will see all forms of this terrible disease eradicated in the foreseeable future.”

Lisa McGovern, Executive Director of the Congressional Families Program, commented on Dr. Latta’s contributions: “Through this award, we recognize Marcia for her impactful work to bring awareness of cancer prevention and early detection to fellow Ohioans to help them stay ahead of cancer,” said Lisa McGovern. “As a lifelong educator, she knows the importance of using her voice to inspire others, and we are proud of her commitment to sharing vital information with her community.”

Dr. Marcia Latta has participated in the Congressional Families Program since 2012 as both an executive council member and advocate for cancer awareness initiatives. She has experienced personal loss due to cancer—her close friend died from breast cancer—and witnessed her father’s battle with melanoma after decades working outdoors as a farmer led to his diagnosis at age 70. These experiences influenced Dr. Latta’s approach toward sun safety education and broader advocacy for cancer prevention through op-eds, social media outreach, and public service announcements.

Other honorees this year include actress Olivia Munn—who survived breast cancer—and Dr. Wayne Kye, husband of U.S. Representative Grace Meng (NY-6).

Bob Latta was born in Bluffton, Ohio in 1956; he currently lives in Bowling Green (https://latta.house.gov/). He graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BA in 1978 before earning his JD from the University of Toledo in 1981.