SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Acting U.S. Attorney Héctor Ramírez Carbó announced today that Doctor Linda Laras has been awarded the 2026 Hometown Hero award for the District of Puerto Rico. Dr. Laras is an Assistant Professor OB GYN; Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology; Forensic Gynecology Consultant, Forensic Sciences Institute; Maternal Child Adolescent Consultant, PR Department of Health Director, Forensic Interviewer and Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner at the Puerto Rico Health Justice Center.
The Hometown Hero award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility. This award is dedicated in recognition of a steadfast commitment to these ideals and an embodiment of the spirit upon which our Nation was founded.
“Dr. Linda Laras has dedicated her life to advocating for survivors of sexual assault and ensuring they receive the care, support, and justice they deserve,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ramírez Carbó. “Through the Puerto Rico Health Justice Center, she has stood beside victims of sexual violence throughout the often-challenging path from disclosure and investigation to prosecution, trial, and recovery. Dr. Linda Laras is truly a ‘Hometown Hero.’”
Established in 2015, the Puerto Rico Health Justice Center is a transdisciplinary clinical forensic program dedicated to serving victims of sexual violence through a trauma-informed, victim-centered, and evidence-based approach. Recognized as a specialized center under Law 109 of 2024, the Center collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies to support survivors throughout every stage of the process, from disclosure to case resolution. Its comprehensive services include social and wellness screenings, forensic interviews, forensic medical examinations and follow-up care, victim advocacy and accompaniment, therapeutic services, community outreach, and advanced professional education.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ramírez Carbó further stated: “In our world, we sometimes look for heroes in all the wrong places. We celebrate those whose accomplishments are visible, whose names are familiar, and whose stories make headlines. But sometimes, we need to look no further than the person standing right in front of us. Today, we celebrated a true hometown hero: Dr. Laras. For decades, Dr. Laras has dedicated her life to examining, counseling, and advocating for survivors of sexual assault. Over the course of her remarkable career, she has counseled more than 4,000 victims, offering not only her professional expertise, but also compassion, dignity, and a voice to those who need it most. Her work is often done away from the spotlight, but its impact is immeasurable. Behind every one of those 4,000 individuals, is a person whose life she has touched, a survivor she has helped, and a community she has made stronger. At present, we recognize Dr. Laras not simply for the years she has devoted to this work, but for the lives she has changed along the way. She reminds us that true heroes are not always found on a stage or in the headlines. Sometimes, they are found in the quiet, extraordinary dedication of someone who has made it her life’s mission to help others.”
The Hometown Hero Award is presented to individuals who have made significant and measurable contributions to preserve and/or improve their community.
