ACMA: Hero Award 2023 - Jacqueline Pokuaa

Jacqueline Pokuaa, a social worker at Dallas Methodist Medical Center, posthumously received the award in remembrance of her life of service to her community and patients. Pokuaa, an immigrant from Ghana who became a U.S. citizen and worked to earn her bachelor’s and master’s in social work, was tragically shot and killed in October 2022 while administering care to a newborn mother and her baby.
“Jacqueline left a void in our practice, someone who gave everything in the moment for her patients, and whose legacy deserves to be honored,” said L. Greg Cunningham, ACMA CEO and founder. “And the tenacity and passion with which Patrick continues to serve his patients is nothing short of remarkable - inspiring others in the field. This is a unique year for the Hero Award where we’d like to remember Jacqueline and her ultimate sacrifice, and honor Patrick’s unwavering commitment to the field. They both reflect the highest standards within our practice - exemplary patient advocacy, courage, and strength - and are such humbling testaments to why we established this award program.”
Jacqueline Pokuaa’s nominator for the award remembers her as a bubbly person who was full of life and wanted to help people - “if she told you she was going to do something, she followed through.” She is described by colleagues, family and friends as “the calm” during moments of chaos, “our angel on earth,” and a loving mother to her 12-year-old son Nigel.