Awards

This accolade is dedicated to someone who, despite their humility among peers, has achieved significant milestones in their career. Al Austin, who notably served as the health cabinet secretary in the 1980s, is the inspiration for this award. Guidelines: The nominee should exemplify steadfast loyalty and persistent efforts towards enhancing public health across Kentucky.

This award recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the health and welfare of mothers and children in Kentucky. Dr. Fraser, who served as the state's Maternal and Child Health (MCH) director from 1956 until her passing in 1965, is the namesake of this honor. Guidelines: The nominee should have made a distinct and exceptional contribution to the advancement of maternal and child health in Kentucky, exceeding the typical expectations of their employment or through voluntary efforts.

This award is designated for an individual who consistently demonstrates excellence in the field of epidemiology, as recognized by their peers, leaders, or colleagues, and has made significant contributions in one or both of the following areas:

• Notable impact in a specific area of expertise or on statewide epidemiology practices, which could include enhancements to epidemiological practices in Kentucky, bolstering the capacity to respond to public health issues, events, or crises, coordinating significant or large-scale epidemiological responses, or contributing to the overall improvement of epidemiological operations or processes in Kentucky.
• Substantial influence on the health of Kentucky’s population, evidenced by either inferred or measurable reductions in disease or mortality linked to epidemiological practices, or by inferred or measurable improvements in health or health practices attributable to epidemiological approaches. This also includes notable epidemiological contributions that are expected to have a long-lasting effect on the health of Kentuckians.

This award is given in recognition of a Kentuckian who has made a substantial impact in aiding the most vulnerable groups in our community – the indigent and uninsured. Guidelines: The nomination should distinctly showcase the nominee's significant contributions to these specific populations.

Selected by the KPHA Board of Directors to honor a person who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, support, and dedication to KPHA

This accolade is dedicated to recognizing an individual who has made a significant impact in the realm of health education within Kentucky. Sara C. Stice, who led as the state Director of Health Education from 1950 until her retirement in 1973, is the namesake for this award. Guidelines: The nominee should be actively engaged in the health sector and have made an exceptional contribution to the field of health education.

This award recognizes an individual who has delivered outstanding Home Health services in Kentucky, particularly in public health environments. Guidelines: The ideal nominee should exhibit a deeply caring attitude and a keen sensitivity to the needs of the community and those served by Home Care services. It's important to note that while a professional degree is admirable, it should not be the main basis for the nomination.

This award is dedicated to an individual who has shown exceptional performance, remarkable achievements, and dedicated service in the field of Environmental Services. Bill Patton, known for his diligent work as an environmentalist in southeastern Kentucky from the early 1980s until his passing in 2001, was a staunch believer in his ability to enhance the environmental health of Kentuckians. Guidelines: The nominee should have clearly demonstrated the aforementioned accomplishments in their field.

The Public Health Workforce Development Scholarship will be administered by KPHA in the amount of $2,000 and is payable at the rate of $1,000 per semester paid directly to the student’s school to provide general academic assistance for one year.

Eligibility requires an awardee to be employed by a local health department, public health organization, or health related agency. Preference will be given to students looking to enhance their education in the public health field in which they serve. Applicants must be a member of KPHA to be awarded the scholarship.