About the Iowa Public Health Heroes Award

Call for Nominations

Public health accomplishes its mission of “assuring conditions in which people can be healthy” through the organized and collaborative efforts of individuals working in a wide variety of settings and situations.  

 To recognize the efforts of Iowa’s public health practitioners, the University of Iowa College of Public Health established the Iowa Public Health Heroes Award. Each year, the College recognizes individuals who have worked to promote a healthier state through wellness and disease prevention initiatives and demonstrated the values of the College of Public Health, including community engagement, integrity, learning, quality, responsibility, equity, and social justice. 

We invite nominations of individuals from across all fields of public health and a range of career paths, including:

  • Career achievement
  • As a newcomer to public health practice
  • Service in local leadership, advocacy, or business

Nominations of individuals from traditional and non-traditional public health organizations are encouraged.

The following criteria have been established for this recognition:

  • Demonstrated commitment to the values of public health (e.g., community-based approaches to health and prevention, equity for all people, collaborative spirit, ethical decision-making, etc.) 
  • Significant contributions to improving and protecting the health of Iowans 
  • Meaningful promotion of a broader understanding of public health 

Primary place of employment must be in Iowa but outside the College of Public Health and the University of Iowa. 

Nominations must be submitted online.  Each nomination should be accompanied by one (1) nomination letter limited to no more than three pages. Multiple signatories may be incorporated into the letter. Evidence should include specific information regarding the accomplishments of the individual relative to the criteria listed above.

Nominations are due Friday, February 9, 2024.  Award recipients will be recognized at a reception on March 26, 2024, at the Public Health Conference of Iowa in Des Moines.

If you have questions, please contact Laurie Walkner at laurie-walkner@uiowa.edu.